Stephen Smith of Airedale Church writes

Jesus taught his followers to pray "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on Earth as in heaven".

Those are words prayed, recited or muttered regularly by Christians across the globe - yet all too often without much expectation that the prayer will be answered.

Yet, in these days - even in 2008 - God is breaking out in the world and his Kingdom is indeed invading Earth. So, let us consider what we should expect when God's Kingdom breaks into ours.

In the Kingdom of Heaven there is no sickness, there is no depression, no addiction, no hopelessness. As our prayers are answered let us expect, therefore, healing, joy, freedom and hope - and much more besides.

Many (even in our town) will testify that miracles are happening in abundance as God answers prayer today in the name of Jesus.

Yet, let us be aware that (mysteriously) we have the ability to quench the power of God's Holy Spirit when we do not act or pray with faith. Somehow we can limit the activity of God.

The Apostle Paul writes: "do not put out the Spirit's fire" (1 Thessalonians 5:19). In the midst of a town full of unbelief Jesus himself was unable to minister in power.

We read: "And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith" (Matthew 13:58).

As we call out to God in our day, let us do so with faith and expectation that he will do great things.

As we pray "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, in Keighley as in heaven" let us anticipate healing for the sick and deliverance for the oppressed.