The Lord’s Prayer is something most of us know well. But sometimes, we can say the words without really thinking about what they mean. When Jesus begins with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,” He’s not just giving us an introduction. He’s inviting us to see things differently. He’s inviting us to live in a way that reflects the Kingdom of God.

Think about how a forest works—everything in it has a purpose, and it all thrives when there’s balance. For example, when wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park, it didn’t just affect the wolves and the animals they preyed on. It actually restored the whole environment! The herds of animals moved differently, the plants grew better, and the whole ecosystem became healthier. That’s what balance does. And the Kingdom of God works in a similar way. When God is at the centre, everything in our lives finds its proper place, just like in a healthy ecosystem.

Jesus gives us a big clue about how the Kingdom works by starting with “Our Father.” He doesn’t say, “My Father” or “Your Father,” but “Our Father.” He’s showing us that this isn’t just about a personal relationship with God. It’s also about community—about us living and growing together with God at the centre. It’s a reminder that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

But we often get sidetracked, don’t we? We might put things like work, success, or even our struggles ahead of our relationship with God. When we do that, it throws everything out of balance. It’s like focusing on just one part of the forest and forgetting about the rest. But when we keep God at the centre, like Jesus is teaching us, everything else starts to fall into place.

It’s easy to look at church, for example, and think it’s all about making sure the programs run smoothly or that Sunday mornings look just right. But here’s the thing—the Kingdom of God isn’t about appearances or performances. It’s about relationships. It’s about connecting with God and with each other in real, meaningful ways. The lights, the music, even the sermons—those are great, but they’re not the heart of it. What matters is how we’re growing together and helping each other connect with God.

Jesus also says, “Hallowed be your name,” which is a way of saying that God is holy, set apart, and unlike anyone else. Some of us have great examples of what a father is, and others might not. But Jesus is saying that God isn’t like any earthly father we’ve ever known—He’s so much more. He’s the perfect example of love, kindness, and mercy. And when we come to Him in prayer, we’re acknowledging that He’s the source of everything good in our lives.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus is teaching us that life with God starts on the inside. We don’t live from the outside in, letting our circumstances control our faith. Instead, we live from the inside out, letting our relationship with God shape everything we do. That’s why Jesus invites us to pray, to come into the “secret place” where God is waiting for us. This isn’t about having the perfect words or checking off a box. It’s about making time for God, listening, and letting Him guide us.

And what does that look like in real life? It means making space for God every day, whether that’s in prayer, quiet moments, or just being aware of His presence. He’s already with us, waiting for us to turn our attention to Him. It’s not about doing more or trying harder—it’s about recognizing that God is at the centre and letting everything else flow from that.

Sometimes we put too much focus on what we’re doing for God—whether that’s serving in a ministry, leading a group, or something else. But here’s the thing: those roles are important, but they’re not where our identity comes from. Our identity comes from being God’s children, from being able to say, “Our Father.” When we get that right, everything else starts to fall into place. Our roles and assignments are just part of how we live out that identity—they aren’t the source of it.

The truth is, God isn’t distant. Even when we feel far from Him, He’s near. Jesus tells us that when we pray, we’re entering into a place where God already is. He’s not waiting for us to get everything right before He shows up. He’s there, ready to meet us, even in the midst of our everyday lives.

So, how does this all tie back to the Kingdom of God? Well, the Kingdom is like an ecosystem. It’s designed to thrive when God is at the centre, and when we make space for Him in our lives, everything else begins to thrive, too. Our actions, our relationships, and our faith all flow from this place of being connected to God. It’s not about perfection. It’s about growth.

As we go about our week, let’s take some time to think about what it means to live in this Kingdom ecosystem. Are we making space for God in our daily lives? Are we focusing on building relationships that help us and others grow? Jesus reminds us that our Father is not just in heaven—He’s also near, present with us in every moment.

So, how would your day look different if you lived with the awareness that God is always right there with you, ready to guide and help you grow? What would change in your relationships, in the way you handle challenges, if you kept Him at the centre of it all?

Take some time this week to reflect on these questions. Let’s invite God to show us how to live in the ecosystem of His Kingdom, with Him at the centre, shaping everything we do.