Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church - New Paltz

When the disciples looked to Christ for guidance in praying, he responded by teaching them the now infamous Lord’s Prayer. It is interesting that although there are many people, even non-Christians, who know this prayer by heart, we do not often take the time to consider what we say when recite this prayer. It is both beautiful and helpful in its simplicity, especially Luke’s version in chapter 11.

“Father, hallowed be your name.” In other words, God, may you be praised before, during and after all things. May your name be raised above all else, and may you occupy the central space in my heart and my life.

“Your kingdom come.” In other words, God, this world is a mess and we both know it. Will you please continue your incredible work of redeeming creation, transforming this world to become like your perfect and eternal kingdom that is filled with love and mercy and justice?

“Give us each day our daily bread.” Dear God, there are many ways we need feeding, in body but also in spirit and mind. We are what we eat, so help us to eat only enough what is healthy so that our bodies might be strengthened to serve you. Help us to consider thoughtfully what TV shows we watch, which video games we allow our children to use, and how many hours are spent consuming and ingesting such things in contrast to how much time we spend singing songs of love and praise to you, serving our neighbors in need and embodying your love to others in such a way that we ourselves are filled with daily bread as fill others.

“And forgive our sins, as we forgive those indebted to us.” Dear God, you know that even with the best of intentions we will always fall short, so please continue by your mercy to forgive us our wrongdoing, both those things we do in action and the thoughts we think.

“And do not bring us to the time of trial.” In other words, God, you know how surely we small, imperfect humans are tested by daily living, so if you can, would you please steer us clear to avoid some of the biggest messes?

Luke follows the sharing of the Lord’s Prayer by Jesus with the disciples with the reminder that if a neighbor will help another neighbor’s urgent need, how much more will God who is our loving parent help us, when we come with repentant hearts and lives open to God’s healing and support for the journey.

There are so many times we face darkness in our lives and do not know how to ask for God’s help. The Lord’s Prayer, while it may become routine because we know it so well, may also stand by us in times of daily testing, supporting the building up of our faith by the very nature of its clear, concise reminders of who God is, and how amazing God’s power can be. By and through God all things are possible. Amen.

Pastor Anderson