Teach Us To Pray (1)

There are some occasions when it is helpful to look at journals or “quiet time” diaries from our past, to consider insights at that time, or prayers we offered because of the events around us.

I know that many of us find a familiar song or hymn, a familiar prayer helpful, particularly when we are confronted by something of which we are unsure. The song that comes to us, the prayer we can recite without effort. The simple beauty of the Rosary Prayer is that for many people, to be able to offer prayer, even in extremis.

For some time, I have paid less attention to the Lord’s Prayer than I should.

Perhaps it’s a reflection of those times I have mechanically recited it because we instructed to do so (the wonder of the school assembly!). It is always a humbling and generous reminder when someone – usually an older person – asks me to include the Prayer in worship. Sometimes they indicate a particular reason – its value, the remembering, the anchoring in a faith which transforms and assures, the trust that Jesus has offered to us.

So, this season, following the urging of the “Common Grace” Community, I am seeking to pray the Lord’s Prayer every day.

So far, it has been fascinating and hopeful. (At this point, you need to resist the temptation to look superior and shake your head knowingly…)  http://www.commongrace.org.au/

There are email reminders and video clips which accompany each stanza of the prayer, as a diverse range of disciples with insight and grace, offer their thoughts.

Mostly, though, it has been me writing the same prayer out each day and wondering about what Jesus has given to us. I pray it as I walk each morning and I make myself take it line by line and not simply rattle it off. It’s very rewarding. Some of the “same old words” are no longer that. They are new again – with wonder.

Perhaps the profundity of this season is not only sacrifice, but taking up something we have laid down for too long.

There are gifts on the shelf we may need to place in front of ourselves again.

This prayer, give to us by Jesus is enough for us, for the church, for ever. Hold it in your hands again and consider this prayer, pray this prayer.

And, on occasion, remind me to offer the Lords’ Prayer in worship, as we share with all God’s church, before, beside and behind us.