Live in Harmony With the Model Prayer/Part I

About 6,000 years ago, God's will was being done perfectly on earth. That is why Jehovah could look upon the fine start he had given to mankind and say: "It was very good." (Genesis 1:31) Then Satan rebelled, and even since, comparatively  few humans have done God's will on earth. But today we are privileged to be alive at a time when about eight million Witnesses  not only are praying for God's will to take place on earth but also are striving to live in harmony   with that prayer. They do so by their way of life and by zealous share in the disciple-making work.

For example, a sister who was baptized in 1948 and who served as a missionary in Africa says:  "in line with this part of the model prayer, I often pray that all sheep-like people will be contacted and helped come to know Jehovah before it is too late. Also, when I am about to witness to someone, I ask for wisdom   to reach the person's heart. And regarding sheep-like ones who have already been found, I pray that Jehovah will bless our efforts to care for them."  Little wonder that this 80-year old-sister has success in her ministry and, along with aid from others, has  helped many to become Jehovah's Witnesses.  No doubt you can think of other good examples of individuals who pour themselves  out in doing God's will despite the limitations of age . -Read Philippians  2:17.

Until the enemies of God's Kingdom are removed from the earth, we will continue to pray for God's will to be done. Then we will see God's will taking place in an even more complete ways as billions  are resurrected on a paradise earth. "Do not be amazed at this," Jesus said. "for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear [my] voice and come out." (John  5:28, 29)  What a wonderful time to be alive to welcome back our dead loved ones!  God  "will wipe  out every tear from [our] eyes." (Revelation 21:4)  Most resurrected  ones will be "the unrighteous," who lived and died with out learning the truth about Jehovah God and his Son.  it will be a privilege  to impart knowledge of God's will and purpose to resurrected ones, thereby helping them to qualify for "everlasting life." -Acts 24:15; John 17:3. 

Universal peace and harmony depend on the sanctification of Jehovah's name by means of God's Kingdom. Thus, the complete answer to the first  three requests of the model prayer  will fulfill mankind's greatest needs.  Meanwhile, we have other vital needs that are mentioned  in the remaining four requests in Jesus' model prayer. They will be discussed in the following articles. 

Next time: Live in Harmony With the Model Prayer/Part II

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015