Greetings Beloved,

Blessings and grace through God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Over the past few days, the Holy Spirit has been highlighting to me the Lord’s Prayer, especially the part that says, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10 NKJV)

In fact, when Jesus teaches us to pray, He calls forth praise for the Father, and He calls forth His Father’s kingdom and order to be accomplished on earth in the same manner it is ordered and accomplished in heaven. Jesus gives us this insight as the context for all prayer. This is not merely something we pray when we don’t know what else to pray, this is what we are to pray and call forth from God in heaven to all, and in all things on earth. This prayer, when prayed from a sincere and willing heart, is one of the single greatest ways to partner with Jesus as He intercedes for us day and night at the right hand of the Father in heaven. (Romans 8:33-35)

Something more, I have been asking, “What does it look like when God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven?”

Most recently, I have been seeking the answer to this question by searching the bible to find out what is actually going on in heaven. Heaven is a real place, not simply a spiritual reality, therefore we can conclude that there are actual events taking place in heaven that will give us insight into God’s will and desires. These events, if possible to accomplish on earth, should give us understanding into our purpose and destiny as Jesus’ disciples and partners in the good pleasure of God.

Throughout the Bible, (and don’t just take my word, check this out), we see scene after scene where the main event is the worship of God. Throughout the Psalms, the Prophets, and even the book of Revelation, our insight into heaven gives us a small glimpse of angels and saints worshipping the Holy One. In the instance that worship is not highlighted during the prophet’s view into heaven, we see see three other things that are happening. The first is a view of God seated as the Ancient of Days, giving the orders and decrees of Heaven as a just judge and King of Kings (Daniel 7). The second is simply discussion with God. The prophets and apostles either spoke with God, or beheld another speaking with God. Whenever we pray on earth, we are speaking with God. While it may not seem as exciting as seeing God face to face, prayer is our greatest and most effective means to enter into communication with the Holy Spirit. The third, thoroughly taught in Romans and Hebrews, is the reality of Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for the saints on earth.

The main events that are taking place in heaven can be simply concluded as 1) God’s Governance, which He executes in truth, humility, and righteousness (Psalm 45); 2) Prayer and Intercession, a ministry that Jesus is faithful to do day and night; 3) Worship, which continues without ceasing.

John Piper once said, “Missions exist because worship does not.” Could it be that the goal of the Great Commission is to establish praise on the earth? I see God’s governance on earth as two simple realities that can be described as pure worship and changed hearts. At length, this is the subject of another article, but in short what I am getting at is: If Jesus is to receive the worship and adoration promised to Him by the Father from every tongue, tribe, and nation, then those of us who already know Him must earnestly pursue the call to love Him fully (the Great Commandment), and love others by serving them and proclaiming His truth (the Great Commission). I believe this is what God desires when He asks us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)

Also, if one of God’s main desires is for the Church to partner with Him in establishing praise on the earth, then we should be of the same mind. If we see unceasing corporate worship in heaven, why are we not doing it on earth? Should this not be the practical outworking of praying for His kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven? Individually we cannot accomplish this goal. However, with unity and cooperation, unceasing worship is a very tangible goal for any metropolitan region. Methodology may differ between ministry or region, but ‘how’ this goal is accomplished is not the root issue. The question is, are we willing to walk in the unity necessary to see Jesus receive perpetual worship in our cities? Another question, if this expression of worship were going on in our cities, do we believe that our cities would look more like heaven on earth?

In regards to intercession, we see Jesus faithfully contending for the saints without ceasing. The apostles recognized this, and we see evidence of their understanding in the prayers of the New Testament, and also in the apostles’ teachings on prayer. Each NT prayer focuses on praying for the Church as a whole, for the nation of Israel, for individual believers, or for spiritual and civil leaders. When we pray, we do two things: First, we draw near to Jesus, for when we do what we see Him doing we enter into agreement and partnership with Him where He is. Second, we govern with Christ, which is the destiny of the Church. Do you want to see people healed, demons flee, and the chains of oppression broken? Let us do this more and more and encourage one another daily in this pursuit. Intercession is how God uses the Church to govern on earth, establish justice, and draw our hearts closer to His.

The evidence of unceasing worship and intercession is a sign that God’s will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. This is the highest calling upon both global missions and local outreach, that Jesus is worshipped among every people group under heaven. He is searching for worshippers who worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss this further, you may comment below.

Blessings,

-J. S. Marek