On Earth as In Heaven
Introduction
The purpose of this program is to remind the women of our connection to heaven, how we each play a role, and the primary purpose prayer plays within it all.
Play this video that is based on Matthew 6:9-13 “On Earth As in Heaven” – Red Rocks Worship (Lyrics + Scripture) Agape Kingdom Worship, https://youtu.be/ReNA46SbAX8
Program Idea
Decorations
Cover each table with a solid white tablecloth. In the center of the table, place a clear vase. Put a prayer card at each seat along with a flower. Each setting should receive a different colored flower, creating a rainbow effect.
A Vase of Flowers
- Flowers: Explain to the women that each flower is a different color to represent how the Kingdom of God needs different kinds of people to function. God has created us all in a unique manner and we each have something that benefits His Kingdom. Just like in Heaven, there will be people of many ethnicities, colors, talents, backgrounds. Have each woman pick up a flower and tell about what they can contribute to the group. (one is good at crafts; another is able to teach). If they have a problem recognizing what they bring to the group, the other members can share what they have observed. Ask them to add their flower to the vase.
This vase represents a beautiful arrangement that is colorful and full of everyone’s’ uniqueness. Just like
this flower arrangement cannot be an arrangement without different flowers, we too cannot be a Kingdom of God on earth without all parts.
- Prayer card: Using the prayer cards ask the women to answer the following questions. Ask several if they are willing to share what they wrote.
- Questions:
- Why is praying (especially out loud) a difficult thing to do?
- What suggestions do you have that can help those in the group become more comfortable with prayer?
- How can we intentionally pray for requests to God to be “on earth as in Heaven”?
- What is one thing that you will implement this week to deepen for prayer life?
Skit
This short performance is based on the phrase from the Lord’s Prayer “on earth as it is in heaven.” A group of people are discussing what it would mean to live in a world where God’s will is fully done, highlighting the contrasts between the current world with its conflicts and challenges, and an ideal heavenly realm characterized by perfect love, peace, and unity.
Characters
- Leader: A wise, thoughtful individual who facilitates the discussion.
- Optimist: A person with a positive outlook, believing in the potential for great change.
- Skeptic: A more cynical character who questions the feasibility of achieving a “heavenly” world.
- Youth: A young person representing the hope for a better future.
Scene/Setting: A community center or a simple gathering space.
Dialogue
Leader:
“Today, let’s explore the meaning of the phrase ‘on earth as it is in heaven.’ What do you think it would look like if our world reflected the values of heaven?”
Optimist:
“Well, for me, it means everyone living in harmony, no matter their differences. Imagine a world where everyone is kind and compassionate towards each other.”
Skeptic:
“That’s a bit utopian, isn’t it? People are naturally selfish, how could we ever achieve a world without conflict?”
Youth:
“But if we all tried to be better, wouldn’t that make a difference? Like, if we always chose to forgive instead of holding grudges.”
Possible Endings:
- Reflection: The group concludes by reflecting on how they can personally contribute to creating a more “heavenly” world in their daily lives.
- Call to Action: The characters discuss potential actions they can take to promote peace, justice, and compassion in their community.
Key Points to Consider:
- Thematic Depth
- Explore the challenges and complexities of living according to “heavenly” values in a real-world setting.
Character Development:
- Allow each character to express their unique perspective on the concept of “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Audience Engagement:
- Pose questions to the audience to encourage discussion and reflection on the topic.
On Earth As in Heaven
As believers we can put so much pressure upon ourselves when it comes to prayer. Are we using the right words? Are we getting all the thoughts out? Did we mention all the people and their specific situations? If we think about it, what are the most powerful prayers we have ever heard? They aren’t the ones with the best words or even ones that have every thought put together. They are simply prayers that are truly from the heart.
When I first started going to The Salvation Army, I too had these same thoughts. I was afraid to pray out loud and was always thinking that I didn’t have the ability to “pray properly.” Everyone else seemed to have this beautiful way to talk to God and I just didn’t know how. Then I went as a chaperone to Youth Councils, and I witnessed the most amazing prayer. As the teens from my corps gathered at the altar, I watched as the Youth coordinator came to pray for them. With tears in her eyes, she simply said “Thank you Jesus” over and over. The moment was noticeably impactful for all of us involved. That was the moment that God taught me that prayers are simply from the heart.
Another thing we forget about prayer is that the Bible is the perfect place to go when we haven’t any words. Specifically, we can see the wisdom of the prayer that Jesus shares with the disciples in Matthew 6:9-13. We commonly call this the Lord’s Prayer and it serves two purposes. One is that it is a perfect prayer to repeat for any occasion. It gives us all aspects that were worth sharing with God as well as what we should ask for. But it can also be used in another impactful way.
The Lord’s prayer is a prescription of one way to pray and it is a great start when we don’t know where to start.
It gives us these three things to focus on in a prayer:
- Give praise/ thanks (v. 9-10)
- Present requests (v.11)
- Ask forgiveness, recognize your need for His grace (v.12-13)
An example is this:
- God, thank you for being present in my life and in the lives of others (1st part).
- I ask that those who are reading this devotional learn something new today that brings them closer to you (2nd part).
- May each of us come to you where we are and lay down those things that hinder us from being closer in relationship with you (3rd part).
This is a simple way to start seeking the kingdom of God and allows us to focus our desires on a Godly way. When we pray, we want our desires to be aligned with heavenly things. It is why Jesus says in the prayer that may the things that we pray for be as they are in heaven. In other words, may our prayers transform our world that it can look that much more like heaven.
So, whether you choose to use a prayer that is already written, follow a prescribed formula, or simply say the words that come to mind, always be heartfelt in your requests and desire to see God’s will in your life and in the lives around you.
