A Praying Community (Part 2)
For Meditation (Corey Widmer)
Last week we learned from Jesus how not to pray: Don't pray for show, because the Father sees. Don't pray much, because the Father knows. This Sunday we come Jesus’ positive lesson on prayer, unfolding what is the most famous prayer in the history of the world. As we consider how to live as citizens in the upside-down Kingdom, Jesus sees our life of prayer as central to who we are.
The Lord's Prayer is only about 57 words, so it is truly not “much” to pray. But within its brief, poetic sentences is enough content to keep you praying for a lifetime! Jesus clearly meant this prayer to be used as sort of liturgical set prayer, as would have been common to Rabbis at the time. In that sense, the prayer really does form us in a particular way of understanding God, ourselves and the world. But the prayer can also be used as a “map” to guide our praying, prompting us in the ways we can talk to God about anything. Each phrase in the Lord’s Prayer can become an invitation to our own expressions of praise, confession, and intercession.
As you prepare for worship this week, consider the following:
What is your earliest memory of the Lord’s Prayer, and how might that shape the way you use it today?
Why do you think it’s significant that Jesus invited us to begin our prayers with the words “Our Father?”
The first half of the Lord's Prayer is about God’s name, Kingdom and will. What does this say about how Jesus is seeking to shape us?
The second half of the Lord’s Prayer is about our needs: for provision, forgiveness, and protection. Why do you think Jesus includes these three?
Take some time to pray the Lord's prayer slowly, pausing after each phrase and perhaps adding your own thoughts and words.
Matthew 6:9–15
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today 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 the evil one.’
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.