Jesus

taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come” (Luke 11:2), and this

reminds us that the world we live in needs the refreshing goodness

and wholeness of God’s kingdom. As we recognize that the world is

profoundly broken, we know that its ultimate healing will occur only

when the fullness of God’s kingdom has finally come.

Today,

millions of people recall the terrorist attacks that took place in

the United States 17 years ago. The events of 9/11 and all other

examples of violence, injustice, and suffering bring us to lament. In

desperation we cry out, “How long, Lord?” We implore God to do

something, to punish evildoers and to defend all who suffer as

innocent victims.

We

also go a step further in our lament. We remind God of the promises

he has made, and we dare to call him to account to keep those

promises, in line with his character. We cry out to the God who is

all powerful and who in divine humility permits us to speak with such

boldness in prayer.

That’s

what we do when we pray, “Your kingdom come.”

If

you are hurting, or if the brokenness of the world has moved you to

lament, take heart. Prayers of lament are also prayers of hope as we

anticipate the completion of God’s kingdom promises. Our prayers

play an important role in the coming of his kingdom!