The Signs of the Times
October 28, 1903
The Lord's Prayer
It is of the utmost importance that we understand how to pray aright. A careful study of the prayer that Jesus gave His disciples will be of great benefit to us. This prayer is just as valuable to Christ's followers today as it was to His disciples when it was given to them. Let parents teach their children the meaning of this prayer. And let them teach them that God will not accept it if offered as a form. Only as we offer this prayer with an understanding of its meaning and a realization of our need, will it be acceptable to God. ST October 28, 1903, par. 1
“When Ye Pray Say, Our Father”
Christ points us to God as our heavenly Father. We are to ask Him for what we need, even as a child asks its earthly father for what it needs. Jesus says, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him.” As adopted children of God, it is our right to ask Him for the things we need. Would that all could understand the value that there is in acknowledging our relationship and loyalty to Him whom we claim as our Father. Before taking up our daily work, we should draw near to God, to talk with Him whom we reverence and love, and to ask for help, not only for ourselves, but for others. He is well pleased when we come to Him in full confidence, asking for grace to overcome. He will not be to us as an offended Judge, but as a loving gracious Father. ST October 28, 1903, par. 2
The infinite God, said Jesus, makes it your privilege to approach Him by the name of Father. Understand all that this implies. No earthly parent ever pleaded so earnestly with an erring child as He who made you pleads with the transgressor. No human, loving interest ever followed the impenitent with such tender invitations. God dwells in every abode; He hears every word that is spoken, listens to every prayer that is offered, tastes the sorrows and disappointments of every soul, regards the treatment given to father, mother, sister, friend, and neighbor. He cares for our necessities, and His love and mercy and grace are continually flowing to satisfy our need. ST October 28, 1903, par. 3
“Hallowed Be Thy Name”
God would have us seek for those things that will honor His name. In no case are we to glorify ourselves; we are to seek God for grace and blessing, that we may glorify His name in our lives; God is glorified, His name is hallowed, when, through the lives of His children, Christ is revealed. ST October 28, 1903, par. 4
God's name is hallowed by the angels of heaven and by the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds. When you pray, “Hallowed by Thy name,” you ask that it may be hallowed in this world, hallowed in you. God has acknowledged you before men and angels as His child; pray that you may do no dishonor to the “worthy name by which ye are called.” God sends you into the world as His representatives. In every act of life you are to make manifest the name of God. This petition calls upon you to possess His character. You can not hallow His name, or represent Him to the world, unless, in life and character, you represent the very life and character of God. This you can do only through the acceptance of Christ. ST October 28, 1903, par. 5
“Thy Kingdom Come”
Christ sent forth His disciples with the message, “The kingdom of God is at hand.” The proclamation of this message is our work. Jesus said, “This Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.” His kingdom will not come until the good tidings of His grace have been carried to all the earth. Let us proclaim the message, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Thus we may hasten the coming of the Saviour. “Thy kingdom come.” For ages this prayer has been ascending to God from contrite hearts. It will surely be answered. The kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ. The heavenly gates are again to be lifted up, and with ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of holy ones, our Saviour will come forth as King of kings and Lord of lords. Jehovah Immanuel shall be King over all the earth; in that day there shall be one Lord, and His name shall be one. “The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” ST October 28, 1903, par. 6
“Thy Will Be Done on Earth as It Is in Heaven”
In their ministry the angels are not as servants, but as sons. There is perfect unity between them and their Creator. Obedience is to them no drudgery. Love for God makes their service a joy. So, in every soul, wherein Christ, the hope of glory, dwells, are re-echoed the words, “I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is within my heart.” The homes of God's people on this earth should be a symbol, so far as possible, of the heavenly home, where God has His throne. We are His subjects, His little children, whom He wishes to make happy. The members of every family circle should seek to carry out the methods of God as revealed in His Word. Those who bring their lives into harmony with the prayer that Christ has given will be sanctified through the truth. ST October 28, 1903, par. 7