In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray and gives them the words of the Our Father. What if we really considered the meaning of these words and lived by them?
Our Father
Loving and compassionate One who nurtures all created life
Who art in heaven
Remind me that wherever You are is heaven, and You live within me.
Hallowed be Thy name
The name by which I am saved and the name that makes all the difference
Thy kingdom come
A kingdom in which all people are loved, cherished and respected
Thy will be done
Possible only with the strength I receive from You
On earth as it is in heaven
Where all live in perfect self-outpouring love
Give us this day
I come with open hands and heart
Our daily bread
Help me to be content and satisfied with all that You provide
And forgive us our trespasses
Unworthy as I am of Your love and mercy
As we forgive those who trespass against us
Especially those whom I find difficult and against whom I hold a grudge
And lead us not into temptation
For you know how weak and vulnerable I am
But deliver us from evil
Shelter me in Your protective love, keeping me from all that would separate me from You
Amen
So be it. I believe. Amen.
