In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord's Model Prayer is concluded with the phrase, "For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen" (Matt. 6:13). This doxology, as it is sometimes called, is not found in Luke's account of the prayer (Luke 11:2-4) and it is missing from some of the earliest Greek manuscripts of the Gospel of Matthew. The phrase is bracketed in the text of the New American Standard Version, with an explanation in the side column reading, "this clause not found in early manuscripts." The American Standard Version, New International Version, and English Standard Version all omit it from the text altogether, reducing it to a footnote.

While it may be missing from some manuscripts, the phrase is Biblical (it is similar to the prayer that David offered to God in 1 Chron. 29:10-13) and it teaches us some important lessons regarding the One to whom our prayers are addressed.

The kingdom belongs to God. When we pray, we are speaking to the sovereign Ruler of the universe. We have the attention of the One who possesses all authority.

Our God has all power. He has the strength to provide for our needs. We can petition God for our physical and spiritual needs with confidence, knowing He can and will provide.

Because of his sovereignty and power, God receives all glory. It is fitting that God be praised and honored in the language of our prayers. As Paul wrote, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen" (Eph. 3:20-21).

Let's learn from the Lord and remember to praise God in our prayers.