Prayer

Gathering Prayer: Holy One who is know to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. You know the thoughts of our hearts; hear our prayers. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Focus: Two versions of this prayer are recorded in the Gospels: a longer form within the Sermon on the Mount (Matt.6:9-13) and a shorter form in Luke (when “one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’”).

In Matthew, Jesus give a warning about the nature of prayer (do it modestly and in private) and then this model: Our Father in heaven,Your name be honored as holy.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 do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.[For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]

It is interesting to note that the doxology (in brackets) was not part of the original manuscripts and is not included in Catholic prayer but is often added to the mass liturgy in this manner:

(Congregation) Our Father,who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name;thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread;and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

(Priest) Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant us peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

(Congregation) For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever.

(Priest) Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles; I leave you peace, my peace I give to you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and ever. Amen.

Sentences on the Subject:

“They are three requests that express our fundamental needs: bread, forgiveness and help in facing temptation. The bread that Jesus has us ask for is that which is necessary, not superfluous. It is the bread of pilgrims, the just, a bread that neither accumulates nor goes to waste, that does not weigh us down on our journey. Forgiveness is first of all that which we receive from God: only an awareness of being sinners forgiven by infinite divine mercy can make us capable of making concrete gestures of fraternal reconciliation. The final request, ‘lead us not into temptation,’ expresses awareness of our condition, always vulnerable to the snares of evil and corruption.” – Pope Francis

The third clause of the Lord’s Prayer is repeated daily by millions who have not the slightest intentions of letting any will be done except their own. – Aldous Huxley

“It is because of you,” says God, “that my kingdom cannot come.”   Helmut Thielicke

“Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” – Max Lucado

 “Let your first rule of action be to trust in God as if success depended entirely on yourself and not on him: but use all your efforts as if God alone did everything, and yourself nothing.” St. Ignatius (This has the popular expression as, “Pray as though everything depended on you, and act as if everything depended on God.”)

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. In Luke, one of the disciples asks to be taught to pray. Is there a prayer that you were taught as a child or have taught a young person?

Probe 2 Some interpretations suggest that the bread in “our daily bread” isn’t about bread at all. What might Jesus be asking for if this is just a metaphor for something else?

Probe 3. The most accurate translation of Matthew is, “Forgive us our ____________? “ (A. Debts, B. Sins, C. Trespasses). Is there a real difference?

Probe 4. Earlier in the Text (Matt. 6:8), Jesus says, “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” If that is the case, why pray?

Probe 5. Consider the quotes in the Sentences on the Subject. Is there one that resonates with you? Do you have a different saying about prayer that you like?

Take Away.  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.