March 14- Thine is the kingdom

Devotional using scripture, quote from John Calvin and thoughts for the day each day- on the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.

3/14- The Conclusion of All Prayers- Thine is the kingdom, power, and glory, amen.

Calvin: This is firm and tranquil repose for our faith. For if our prayers were to be commended to God by our worth, who would dare even mutter in his presence? Now, however miserable we may be, though unworthiest of all, however devoid of all commendation,we will yet never lack a reason to pray, never be shorn of assurance, since his Kingdom, power, and glory can never be snatched away from our
Father.
The Heidelberg Catechism paraphrases this conclusion to the Lord’s Prayer this way, “we ask all this of thee because, as our King, you are willing and able to give us all that is good since you have power over all things, and that by this not we ourselves but your holy name may be glorified forever.”
It goes on, “Amen means: this shall truly and certainly be. For my prayer is much more certainly heard by God than I am persuaded in my heart that I desire such things from him.”
Who is in charge? If we are in charge, we cannot say this, and we should answer our own prayers. But if God is in charge, and he has the power or ability to answer, then we are in good shape. It is good news that we are not in charge (ever seen the movie "God Amighty"?) or that businesses or the government is not in charge. Calvin rightly points out that no one can "snatch" the kingdom away from God. Kings and presidents come adn go. Governments and countries do as well. But God sits enthroned above all of them.
Jesus also reminds us that God’s glory is the reason, purpose, and power of prayer.

Prayer: Indeed, Lord, you are king alone. We are not. We humble ourselves before you asking that you would hear our prayers and answer them. Amen.