Prayer is central to religious culture here in the PCEA. When we do home visits we pray the Lord's Prayer at least ten times in an evening. Saying it so much has begun to feel redundant and I've found that I'm not really thinking about the words I'm saying anymore. So I decided to write my own version below to intentionally reflect on this beloved prayer. Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, Our parent who dwells in Heaven. Your name is to be praised. Your name is sacred. thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. May the things that happen in this world reflect what you would have happen. May the Earthly Kingdom give us a taste of the Heavenly Kingdom. May your presence in this world be the same as your presence in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Please provide for us. Give us food for our bellies, traveling mercies, sleep to sustain us, and the other provisions this life requires. Help us to remember those and who have less than we do.
and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. (yes - this is the language we use here). When we do wrong (because you know we will) please forgive us. When people do wrong to us, help us to forgive with the same grace and love in which you forgive us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Keep us from indulging in the things we know aren't of you. Deliver us from the horrors of this world: from racism, from sexism, from prejudice, from the sins we continuously commit in this life. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. This is your kingdom: here on Earth and in the Heavenly realm. Your power is above all others. God, your rule is everlasting. It shall never cease. Amen.