If These Walls Could Talk

You’ve heard that phrase before, right?

It’s usually uttered at an old or historic building.

“If these walls could talk, imagine the stories they would tell.”

Well, in Egypt, the walls really do talk.

No, not out loud, of course.

But if you visit any of the temple ruins – which are absolutely colossal – you’ll noticed that just about every inch of every walls bears ornate carvings and intricate designs.

These carvings, though, are not merely aesthetic.

They are intended to tell the story of the Pharaoh’s victories. They declare his power. They sing his praises and proclaim his glory.

As I stood at one such temple – Medinet Habu, built by and dedicated to Ramesses III – I thought about the “walls,” if you will, of my life.

I thought about what stories I’m telling.

Am I telling the story of my victories – of God’s?

Am I declaring my power – or God’s?

Am I hoping that people will sing my praises and proclaim my glory – or God’s?

The Bible says that we are stones in the temple of the Holy Spirit.

I want every inch of my stone to be carved with the story of who He is and what He has done.

Doxology

The prayer Jesus taught us was the first Bible passage I ever memorized.

Maybe it was for you, too.

The last line I learned, interestingly, is not included in every ancient manuscript.

For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.

We do have evidence, though, that as early as the late first century Christians had added this doxology to the Jesus’ prayer.

A doxology is simply an ascription of praise to God.

Whether Jesus actually included it in His prayer or not, I think it is a proper ending.

It reminds us that everything we have prayed is prayed on this foundation.

God, Your kingdom is bursting forth.

God, Your power is indescribable.

God, Your glory is unimaginable.

God, because of who You are, we want to honor Your name.

God, because of who You are, we want to live as citizens of Your kingdom.

God, because of who You are, we want Your will to be done in our lives.

God, because of who You are, we trust You to provide for our daily needs.

God, because of who You are, we trust You to forgive our sins and to empower us to forgive others.

God, because of who You are, we trust You to provide a way out of temptation and to rescue us from the evil inside of us and outside of us.

God, You are a good and great God. We can only come to You because You have graciously invited us to participate in Your kingdom, to experience Your power, and to share in Your glory.

God, we come to You humbled by this prayer Your Son gave us.

We are can’t live any of this out. We need You.

God, we come to You challenged by this prayer Your Son gave us.

You have challenged us to come to You as a loving Father. To uphold Your reputation. To participate in Your kingdom. To do Your will. To rely on You for everything. To trust You for forgiveness. To extend Your forgiveness to others. To give us the strength to follow You.

God, Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.