Genie in a Bottle

I do not know the God whom I serve very well at all, though I am not very proud to admit it. When I became a professing believer of the Gospel, one of my first prayers before my Lord was a request for wisdom and understanding. I have longed for a greater understanding of the world around me, the importance of relationships, and of the person of Jesus Christ. I will admit that at times I hesitate to pray for wisdom, for wisdom often follows a hardship which sows seeds of wisdom in our souls. Yet, without trials, we can never grow intimate with our Father in Heaven. And that, intimacy with the King of kings, is another desire I have had ever since my profession of faith. If nothing else, I want to be held close by my Lord; comforted, secured, provided for, close with. But above these two desires is one final longing which I even have difficulty articulating, and that is the swift fulfillment of God's Kingdom on earth. Far surpassing any acquisition of personal wisdom for my own sake, far deeper than any intimacy between the Lord and me alone, is the longing for His bringing His Kingdom, establishing His throne, reigning and ruling for now and for ever more. If I could offer up one prayer above all else, it would be this: "Our Father who is in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your willing be done, on earth as it is in Heaven."