Teach Me To PrayMuestra

The Lord’s Prayer: The Doxology

Did you ever notice that the conclusion to the Lord’s Prayer as we speak it in church is not found in the Bible? Protestants almost universally end it by saying, “The kingdom and the power and the glory are yours, now and forever” (or “For thine is the glory . . .” if you still use the King James Version).

Even though that doxology (a short statement of praise to the Trinity) is not in the Bible’s prayer, it still makes a great finishing statement to Jesus’ teaching. It explains why we have such confidence that all the things we ask for will be granted. It reaffirms our promise to make the Lord’s name hallowed, work to extend his gracious rule in people’s hearts, and make obedience to his will a life-priority.

St. John heard a magnificent song from ten thousand times ten thousand angels who surround the throne of God: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12).

A doxology like that one is a great way to end any prayer:
• We affirm that God is our supreme Ruler, our King.
• We affirm that God is able to do all we ask and more.
• We pledge to give him the honor and glory when he takes care of us as we ask.

And when you say “Amen” at the end, you put your personal exclamation point on what you just said. “That’s the truth!"