The Lord’s Prayer

by Rev Jacky Quarmby 5 March 2023

This week at the Church Weekend, we will be looking at the Lord’s Prayer in more detail.  It is a prayer that we say regularly and often without thinking.  This reading below (from an unknown source) encourages us to think more deeply about the commitments we are making when we say the Lord’s Prayer together. 

I cannot say “OUR”
If my religion has no room for other people and their needs.

I cannot say “FATHER” 
If I do not demonstrate this relationship in my daily life.

I cannot say “WHO ART IN HEAVEN” 
If all my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.

I cannot say “HALLOWED BE THY NAME” 
If I, who am called by His Name am not holy.

I cannot say “THY KINGDOM COME” 
If I am unwilling to give up my sovereignty and accept the righteous reign of God.

I cannot say “THY WILL BE DONE”
If I am unwilling or resentful of having God’s will in my life.

I cannot say “ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN” 
Unless I am truly ready to give myself to His service here and now.

I cannot say “GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD” 
Without expending honest efforts for it or by ignoring the needs of my neighbours.

I cannot say “FORGIVE OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US”
If I continue to harbour a grudge against someone.

I cannot say “LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION”
If I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.

I cannot say “DELIVER US FROM EVIL”
If I am not prepared to fight evil with prayer and God’s Word.

I cannot say “THINE IS THE KINGDOM” 
If I do not give the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.

I cannot say “THINE IS THE POWER”
If I fear what my neighbours and friends may do or say.

I cannot say “THINE IS THE GLORY” 
If I am seeking my own glory first.

I cannot say “FOREVER” 
If I am too anxious about each day’s affairs.

I cannot say “AMEN” 
Unless I honestly say, “cost what it may, this is my prayer”

Lord, we say the prayer you taught us,
But what do the words mean, if we don’t live them?
Lord Jesus, every time we say your prayer
May it come like a new song from our lips
So that our hearts are renewed and strengthened
And may your words be brought to life
Like a light in the darkness which shows the world
That “thy kingdom is truly coming to earth as it is in heaven”. Amen