The Lord’s Prayer

Do you recall learning the Lord’s Prayer as a child? I remember we called it The Our Father and our mother taught us the words which were reinforced, of course, each week in church. I taught my own children this prayer. I wanted them to know it by age 5. I was an under achiever. Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley (along with 8 other children) taught her little ones to recite this special prayer by age 2!

Do we really think about the words of The Lord’s Prayer as we speak them or is it a tad rote– spoken because of memorization rather than meaning? I have read different versions and interpretations of the prayer from time to time and the other night, after reciting it to myself in bed, I began to think about the words and phrases and I began my own brief analysis I wish to share.

Our Father who art in Heaven, (You are my go to parent in heaven.)

Hallowed be thy name. (Even thinking of you makes me feel special, holy and I see you as revered. I am in awe.)

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done (You have dreams and desires for our living. I want to honor this.)

On earth as it is in Heaven. ( Your dreams and desires for your people are present not only in heaven, but here on earth.)

Give us this day our daily bread. (This does not mean gimme, gimme, but rather as we are given our sustenance we are to feel its nourishment and blessing and be grateful.)

And forgive us our trespasses, (Bless me , Lord, even when I fail.)

As we forgive those who trespass against us. (Teach me to forgive when I don’t feel like it, Lord.)

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (Help me not stray and hold me up when I do fail, Lord.)

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. (The world and all its powers are yours, God. Teach me your ways forever.

AMEN.