Our Father . . .

This coming Sunday (7/25) the gospel reading is Luke 11:1-13, where Jesus teaches his disciples the prayer we call The Lord's Prayer. It also includes the familiar verses where Jesus teaches about good gifts and to "ask and it will be given to you . . ."

What do you think about this scripture? When you pray the Lord's prayer, what memories or thoughts does it bring to mind? Is this a prayer with deep meaning for you or a special place in your heart?

As a devotional kind of prayer, consider "Today's Lord's Prayer" from the New Zealand Prayer Book below. Give it a try, pray it out loud, and then read it again slowly. How do you feel about this way to pray? What about it does or doesn't resonate with you?


Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:

The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth!

With the bread we need for today,
feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another,
forgive us.
In times of temptation and test,
strengthen us.
From trial too great to endure,
spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil,
free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and forever. Amen.