On Earth as it is in Heaven: Resurrected Living in the Here and Now

Have you ever prayed the Lord’s Prayer and really thought about what you were asking? We say it so often—sometimes out of routine—but do we grasp the weight of those words? When we pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” we’re not just reciting a nice phrase. We are inviting God’s rule and reign into every part of our lives, asking that everything in our world reflect the perfection of His will, just as it does in heaven.

This isn’t just a future hope—it’s a present reality. Jesus didn’t tell us to wait passively for heaven; He called us to live as citizens of His kingdom right now. That means our families, our work, our finances, our health, our relationships, and our faith should reflect God’s perfect will. And the church? We are called to be the shining example of what that looks like. So, let’s break this down and explore what it really means to live on earth as it is in heaven.

Understanding the Lord’s Prayer as a Kingdom Declaration

Jesus taught us to pray with purpose. Every phrase in the Lord’s Prayer is a declaration of what we believe and how we should live.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.”

Before we ask for anything, we acknowledge who God is—our holy, sovereign Father. This is foundational. If we don’t recognize His authority and holiness, how can we live under His will? Our lives should reflect His holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). We are not just followers; we are His representatives on earth.

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

This is the heartbeat of our faith. In heaven, everything operates perfectly according to God’s will—no sin, no rebellion, no division. When we pray this, we’re asking that our lives, our churches, and our communities mirror that divine order. It’s an invitation for God to work through us to bring His kingdom into our everyday realities.

Kingdom Alignment in the ‘Kingdoms’ of Our Lives

What does it actually look like to live under God’s will in our daily lives? Let’s explore six key areas where we need kingdom alignment.

1. The Kingdom of Family

Our homes should be reflections of God’s love and grace. In Ephesians 5:25, husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Children are called to obey and honor their parents (Ephesians 6:1-3). But beyond roles, families should be places of discipleship, forgiveness, and encouragement.

When we pray, “Your will be done,” we are asking God to shape our families into places of healing and holiness. We’re saying, “Lord, let our love for one another look like Your love for us.” We are praying, “In the kingdom of my family, let Your will be done just as it is in heaven.”

2. The Kingdom of Relationships

Jesus told us the greatest commandments are to love God and love people (Matthew 22:37-39). But let’s be honest—relationships can be messy. Whether it’s friendships, coworkers, or even church members, we all experience tension.

Living on earth as it is in heaven means we choose forgiveness over bitterness, unity over division, and grace over judgment. Colossians 3:13 reminds us to “bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.”

3. The Kingdom of Vocation

Too often, we compartmentalize our faith from our work. But in God’s kingdom, everything we do should be done as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Your job isn’t just a paycheck—it’s a mission field.

Whether you’re a teacher, doctor, mechanic, or stay-at-home parent, your work is an opportunity to display God’s character. Excellence, integrity, and servant-hearted leadership should mark everything we do.

4. The Kingdom of Finances

Money is one of the greatest tests of where our hearts truly lie. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). If we truly want God’s kingdom to be reflected in our lives, our financial priorities should align with His.

Generosity isn’t optional—it’s a kingdom principle. (Go read my three part series on “Living a Generous Life” - https://www.smallchurchcoaching.com/post/living-a-generous-life-part-1). The early church in Acts 2:45 “sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” They understood that money wasn’t about accumulation but about mission. When we give, we demonstrate trust in God’s provision and participate in building His kingdom.

5. The Kingdom of Health

We often overlook this, but caring for our bodies is part of honoring God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. That means our physical and mental health matter.

We can’t serve effectively if we’re constantly drained, sick, or burnt out. Living under God’s will means prioritizing rest, nutrition, and even mental well-being so that we can fully step into His calling for us.

6. The Kingdom of Faith

Ultimately, all of these areas stem from our faith. A life that reflects heaven is a life surrendered to Christ. Daily prayer, scripture, worship, and obedience keep us in alignment with His will.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” We can’t just say we trust Him; we must live like we do. That means obeying when it’s hard, stepping out in faith when it’s uncomfortable, and putting His mission above our preferences.

Living as the Church—The Example of Holiness to the World

The church isn’t a building; it’s a people. And we are called to be the visible representation of God’s kingdom here on earth. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.” The world should be able to look at the church and see a glimpse of heaven.

So how do we model this?

• By creating worship experiences that honor God and welcome people.

• By being a community of radical love and generosity.

• By making disciples who don’t just attend church but live out their faith daily.

When the church functions as God designed, we become a beacon of hope—a place where the broken find healing, where the lost find purpose, and where the weary find rest.

Conclusion: A Call to Intentional, Resurrected Living

Praying “on earth as it is in heaven” is not just a wish—it’s a commitment. It means we are actively seeking to align our lives with God’s perfect will. It’s a challenge to live differently, to let our families, our work, our finances, and our faith reflect the kingdom of God.

So today, I encourage you: Don’t just pray the Lord’s Prayer—live it. Ask yourself, “Is God’s will being done in every area of my life?” If not, surrender it to Him. And remember, the kingdom of heaven isn’t just a future destination—it’s a present reality, here and now, in you.

Let’s live like it.

Conclusion

I hope this article has encouraged you to see the Lord’s Prayer as more than words we recite—it’s a call to live out God’s kingdom here and now. As we align the “kingdoms” of our lives with His perfect will, we become a reflection of His holiness to the world.

I’d love to hear how this article has challenged or encouraged you! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. If you found it helpful, I invite you to share it with others who might benefit from it.

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Let’s keep pressing forward, living as a people who bring heaven to earth.