Thoughts On: OUR FATHER

Ever since I can remember the OUR FATHER has been a staple in my life. A long the way I have lost it, given it up, and then it comes to me again with new understanding and wisdom. Although now my journey is spiritual in nature, not attached to any religion, the prayer is amazing. We are here for God to use us. Last Monday I found some Rosary Beads and found myself praying the Rosary. This time the Rosary was a more personal journey between God and I. I closed my eyes and felt each bead as I made my way around the Rosary. I was reminded of the scriptures in Matthew and Luke when the disciples asked Jesus how to pray. He simple told them to close their eyes and speak this prayer.

So I invite you during this week, with 9 nine days of Lent left- to sit down and read this prayer slowly. Ponder the significance for you on your journey now. Your personal journey with God, not anyone else’s. You may be surprised, how close to God you really are now.

Here are two versions to see which one feels right for you. If you have trouble with the word sin, remember the original meaning of sin was “mistake”. So you can replace it.

The prayer as it occurs in Matthew 6:9–13 (ESV)

“Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.”

The prayer as it occurs in Luke 11:2-4 (ESV)