Even though this phrase isn’t found in early manuscripts of the New Testament, there is evidence that it was used in the Mass as early as the time of the apostles. But, what do we mean when say these words? “Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory, forever and ever, amen.
I think it means what it simply says. The Kingdom of God, belongs to God. As children of His inheritance, He shares it with us, and we get to participate in it as a member of the body of Christ. (For a fun study on your own, go to Bible Gateway and do a word search on “Kingdom of heaven” and “Kingdom of God”…just read through the Scriptures that match the search. I’m getting so many cool ideas for future blog posts and/or Bible studies. )
The power also belongs to Him. What power?
All of it.
This is one of the attributes of God, He is “all powerful”, not limited like we are, but able to do above and beyond what we could ever ask or even imagine. He showed his power from the creation of the world, to the divine protection and deliverance of His people in Egypt, He brings down strongholds, stops the sun, and opens barren wombs. He shows that power in the lives of His followers, and He demonstrated power over death and sin itself in the resurrection. You get the picture. All the power belongs to Him to do with as He pleases.
And the Glory belongs to Him.
Remember all the glorifying that was going on in John 17? The Bible says that we bring glory to God, He glorifies His Son, and even the heavens declare His glory. He is the Lord of hosts, the King of glory! Isaiah says that He doesn’t share His glory with another. It belongs to Him. We are told to ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Our lives can bring glory to Him by the way we live them. If we are walking in obedience to His precepts, and seeking His will in our life, we bring Him glory. We proclaim that glory when the world sees our love for one another. When we resist the devil and His ways, and embrace life in the Spirit, we can join with all nature in proclaiming His glory.
Scott Hahn sums it up well, when he says “The Kingdom comes where the King is present. Where the Eucharist is, there is the King. The “kingdom, the power, and the glory” are already here on earth, because the Church, the Eucharistic Kingdom, is already in heaven.
Forever and ever. Amen!”
You can find the rest of the Lord’s prayer at the following links:
New Things 
Good post.
I was very interested in the very first paragraph, because I often wondered why the Protestant and Catholic “version” of the Our Father. It always leads to some awkwardness at wedding/funerals/etc with a “mixed group” of people praying together. I have always wished somebody would “give” and simply make it so all of us, brothers&sisters in Christ no matter which denomination, could at least say this prayer together in love and confidence. I think it would bring us closer as the family of God despite our disagreements in other areas.
Gosh, Kat. I was adding links to these posts and realized I did not answer your question, I am so sorry! I found this statement on a couple different sites that explained the rosary, I’m sorry I can’t remember which ones, I should have linked them. I thought it was interesting too, I still occasionally slip back into the habit of trying to finish the last part, and it feels like my voice echoes…it’s so embarrassing! I try to remember to warn people who go to Mass with me who are not Catholic, so they don’t feel awkward.
I think you are right, though about the unity. I remember how awesome it felt the first time I attended Mass, to hear everyone there affirm together what they believed, and then to pray as the Lord taught the disciples to pray, as one body.
Good thoughts, I sure do enjoy your company here!
Lyn
Thanks, Lyn, I appreciate you responding to my question. I will witness this awkwardness again on Monday, at the funeral Mass of a friend who had many, many Protestant friends who will gather with us to pray for Jane. And again this will come up, and I will wonder about it again. If I ever meet the Pope, that’s the question I’d like to ask him: why can’t we just do it the same way, to increase the unity.
Makes me wonder, who changed it and why? If the Catholic church has been saying it like this since the beginning…hmmm…I should not think this hard before coffee. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, and will pray that the message of her life will continue to draw others to the Lord. Blessings, Kat.
❤ Lyn
Thank you.
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