ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN
Crosses of the World Collection
Location: First Floor Prayer Wall, First Church Miami
At the center of the Prayer Wall on the first floor of First Church Miami hangs a cross inscribed with Hebrew words meaning, “On earth as it is in heaven.” These words come from the Lord's Prayer, taught by Jesus to his disciples in Matthew 6:9–13.
At the center of the Prayer Wall on the first floor of First Church Miami hangs a cross inscribed with Hebrew words meaning, “On earth as it is in heaven.” These words come from the Lord's Prayer, taught by Jesus to his disciples in Matthew 6:9–13.
Among the first petitions of this prayer, Jesus teaches us to ask that God's kingdom come and God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. It is a prayer that invites us to imagine a world transformed by God's love, justice, mercy, and peace. More than a hope for something beyond this life, it is a call to participate in God's transforming work here and now.
Surrounding this central cross is a collection of crosses from around the world. Brought to First Church Miami by members and friends from their home countries and travels, each cross carries a story of faith, culture, and community. Together, they reflect the beautiful diversity of the Christian tradition and the many places where people have encountered God's presence.
Though the crosses differ in size, shape, material, and artistic expression, they share a common witness. They remind us that the Christian faith reaches across languages, borders, cultures, and generations. Our expressions of faith may look different, but we are united in prayer to the God who holds the whole world in loving hands.
Their placement on the Prayer Wall is especially meaningful. Here, people leave their prayers, hopes, fears, celebrations, and burdens. Some prayers are spoken aloud, while others are written quietly and placed within the wall. Each represents a life reaching toward God, trusting that no concern is too small and no sorrow too great to be held in divine love.
The crosses surrounding the Prayer Wall remind us that we never pray alone. Our prayers join those of people throughout the world who seek healing, peace, justice, forgiveness, and hope. The God who hears our prayers in Downtown Miami is the same God who hears the prayers of people across every nation and continent.
As we celebrate 130 years of ministry in Downtown Miami, this collection reflects both the global reach of the Christian faith and the local calling of First Church Miami: to be a safe, inclusive, and loving community where all people can explore and connect their faith in Jesus Christ.
Each time we stand before these crosses, we are invited to pray not only for our own lives but for the world God so deeply loves. And each time we pray, “On earth as it is in heaven,” we are reminded that we are called to help make that prayer visible through the ways we love, serve, forgive, and seek justice.
Many crosses. Many countries. Many prayers. One world held in the loving hands of God.
Surrounding this central cross is a collection of crosses from around the world. Brought to First Church Miami by members and friends from their home countries and travels, each cross carries a story of faith, culture, and community. Together, they reflect the beautiful diversity of the Christian tradition and the many places where people have encountered God's presence.
Though the crosses differ in size, shape, material, and artistic expression, they share a common witness. They remind us that the Christian faith reaches across languages, borders, cultures, and generations. Our expressions of faith may look different, but we are united in prayer to the God who holds the whole world in loving hands.
Their placement on the Prayer Wall is especially meaningful. Here, people leave their prayers, hopes, fears, celebrations, and burdens. Some prayers are spoken aloud, while others are written quietly and placed within the wall. Each represents a life reaching toward God, trusting that no concern is too small and no sorrow too great to be held in divine love.
The crosses surrounding the Prayer Wall remind us that we never pray alone. Our prayers join those of people throughout the world who seek healing, peace, justice, forgiveness, and hope. The God who hears our prayers in Downtown Miami is the same God who hears the prayers of people across every nation and continent.
As we celebrate 130 years of ministry in Downtown Miami, this collection reflects both the global reach of the Christian faith and the local calling of First Church Miami: to be a safe, inclusive, and loving community where all people can explore and connect their faith in Jesus Christ.
Each time we stand before these crosses, we are invited to pray not only for our own lives but for the world God so deeply loves. And each time we pray, “On earth as it is in heaven,” we are reminded that we are called to help make that prayer visible through the ways we love, serve, forgive, and seek justice.
Many crosses. Many countries. Many prayers. One world held in the loving hands of God.