In the prayer Jesus taught us, we pray “Thy will be done.”  In order for God’s will to be done in our lives, we must set aside our own desires, which can be a terribly difficult thing to do. We are used to having things our way. Burger King has used the slogan “Have it your way” off and on since the early 1970s. They know that people want things to be done the way they want them done.

I once conducted a funeral for a person who was not a member of my congregation, nor was anyone in his family. They approached me and asked if I would do it, and I saw it as an opportunity to share God’s promises with them, so I agreed. As we were discussing plans for the service, the family said they wanted to play the  Frank Sinatra song “My Way” (I did it my way). All I could think is that when we do things our way, we are bound for death and doom and destruction. Why would you want to brag about that? It is only because God sent Jesus to pay for sin that we can be assured of forgiveness and life. That should be our focus, especially at a funeral.

A man walked into a church in the middle of the week. He is by himself, which is perfect, because he wanted some alone time with God. He was resolved to turn his life around, and today was the day he was making a fresh start. He took out a piece of paper and started making a list. “I promise to be a better husband and father. I promise to be more faithful in church attendance. I promise to give a fair days work to my employer. I promise to…” and the list went on and on. After he had filled up the paper, he signed it, took it to the front of the church, placed it on the altar, then he sat down again. He waited. And he waited. And he waited some more. Then he heard a voice that said, “Go get the paper.” He walked to the altar, picked up the paper, and the voice said, “tear it up.” So he did that. Ripped it to shreds. Then the voice instructed him, “Take out a blank piece of paper, sign it, and put it on the altar.” He did that, and the voice said, “That’s what it means to pray ‘Thy Will be done.’”

Lord, you have made us your children and welcomed us into your family, even though we did not deserve it. Help us to rejoice in the forgiveness and life and salvation Jesus earned for us, allowing us to be part of your kingdom now and forever. Give us hearts that want to live according to Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.