The Lord's Prayer

Matthew 6:7-15

      I am not terribly big on 'signs'. Perhaps I am not as attentive to them as others but I also think that many people see something as an excuse to do something they wanted to do all along. Or perhaps some people want an excuse to not make their own decisions and 'a sign' is an acceptable alternative to self motivation. I really don't know. Having said all that, today's passage is the Lord's prayer. While not the official translation I would prefer, it is rich in texture as is. I took this as 'a sign' ( heaven help me ) that it might be as good a time as any to begin another meditation using snippets or singular words to meditate on. Let the words  I write be a beginning of new understanding, inclusiveness and dedication to personal prayer. So, here we go.

     What does that word mean "Our" mean? Of course the word is conditional. If I say "Our parents", it is in reference to siblings and the related parents. "Our religion" has reference to those who have similar doctrinal beliefs. When a head of state says "Our country" , the reference is to citizenship in a particular geographic boundary. 

       In this case it is Jesus as the Word, Son and Creator. When it comes from Jesus' mouth it references the entirety of creation, all humans, perhaps even more literally, all creatures and creations. If animals and vegetation have some level of consciousness then "Our Father" refers to them as well. So I think when we say "Our" in this prayer, given to us by Jesus, we are referencing what He referenced, all fellow humans, all of creation.

        Sounds simple right? That is the gotcha!  It is not speaking about only those that believe what we believe or those that look like "us" or any divisions that geography or time have placed in our midst. It is the ultimate inclusivity prayer. I often note that God loves the other bloke at least as much as God loves me. Think about that when you say "our". 

God does not love anyone any more or less, no one, not a single soul. We are all, everyone, loved equally. We can judge otherwise but that is the judgment of a fool. God gave us the words "Our Father".

       That is the beginning of the mediation for today. The real meaning and implications of saying that word "Our".  Let the thoughts begin. 

‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words.Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

‘Pray then in this way:

Our Father in heaven,
   hallowed be your name. 

Your kingdom come.
   Your will be done,
     on earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our debts,
     as we also have forgiven our debtors. 
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
     but rescue us from the evil one. 
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.