Meditation and Reflection on
The Lord's Prayer




  

Bible Reading & Meditation  

Matthew 6: 9-14


"This is how you are to pray:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed by your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors;
and do not subject us to the final test,
but deliver us from the evil one.

If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.





Reflection


We say this prayer so often, but the thoughtless repetition can sometimes keep us from feeling the true meaning behind the words. The Lord's Prayer reflects the spirit in which Jesus lived his life. By calling God, "our Father," Jesus claimed his identity as the Son of God, but acknowledged his union with all of us for all time. Because of Jesus and His love for us, we we too can pray, "Our Father." Jesus prayed that the kingdom of love would be here on earth, and that all would cherish the name of God. In "God's will be done," He urges us to enter a union with God, make a personal commmitment of dedication to do all we can within our own personal situation and circumstances, to bring the glory and goodness of God to full realization. We pray for bread, but not only for the bread we eat to sustain life, but for the eucharist bread that sustains us while we wait in anticipation for the coming of our Saviour. We pray for forgiveness. We bond together as one in unconditional love and reconciliation. As we receive and give to other's God's gracious forgiveness, we help God's ongoing creation and healing of the world. We pray for freedom of sin, which is the ultimate clash between good and evil. Trusting in God, we receive the strength and courage to make the prayer of Jesus reality in our lives.


Sink back into your chair...take deep breaths...inhaling the goodness of God and exhaling the pressure and stress of your day. Enter the garden with Jesus. Sit beside Him and quietly begin to pray the "Our Father." Starting with the word "Father," remain with each word of the prayer, softly repeating it for as long as it speaks to you, for as long as it touches your heart. If any word or phrase seems particularly strong, take time and absorb the fullness of it's direction and/or consolation. When you are finished, speak simply, and openly to Jesus.



    I write in my journal any thoughts or feelings I have experienced during this meditation and reflection.


Prayer Focus


Father in Heaven, make us more open and receptive to you and may we accept your kingdom like children taking bread from the hands of their father. Let us live in peace, feeling at home with you all the days of our lives. Remember those who were created in your image but are ignorant of your love. Let the prayers of your people deliver them from unbelief and bring them to worship you. We ask this, through him who is the resurrection and the life of all who put their trust in you, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.





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