04/02/2025
Sometimes the easiest prayers are the best --but sometimes we just recite them without thinking. I need to think today so I'm resurrecting this old explanation to help me before I pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven:
our basic belief that God is our heavenly Father.
I love that we say OUR not MY. We don’t live as individuals but in community. All those around us are children of God.
Hallowed be Thy name:
Hallowed is another word for holy or sanctified. We recognize God's holiness and we want everyone to see Him as the only ultimate holy power.
Thy kingdom come:
We ask God to bring His kingdom into our daily lives with love for each other. We are also praying for His promise to return and give us eternal life in His kingdom.
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven:
We ask for His strength to do all things that will please Him— even the very hard things. It could be giving up time and energy to volunteer to help people with problems or something as easy as giving up a parking space. We are making a commitment.
Give us this day, our daily bread:
We are acknowledging that all things we NEED come to us from God. We ask that God continue to give us what we need for daily life , but also that we recognize the essential Bread of Life, Jesus.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive others who have trespassed against us:
Now it really gets tough. It is easy to ask God to forgive us our sins. We are confident that His grace and mercy are never-ending, but Jesus added a part in this prayer. God wants us to know that in order for Him to forgive our wrongdoings, we need to forgive those who’ve hurt us. God is teaching us that when bitterness, resentment, and anger are in us, there’s no room for His love. Forgiving someone is often easier said than done. Only God can give us the strength to do it through prayer. I think I use this phrase (in my head) all day long; either asking for forgiveness for my hurtful thoughts/actions or telling myself to forgive others for theirs.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
Temptation is all around us and is difficult to resist. The devil is always trying to tempt us and makes it his full-time job to look for ways to steer us from the right path and onto the wrong one. Remember though, the devil has no power over God. That’s why we ask our Father to set up protection against all that is evil, He will shield us — always.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever:
We tell God that we will not forget that everything belongs to Him, He is in control of Heaven and Earth, He has the power to have mercy on us or punish us, and He deserves all our praise.
Now say the prayer slowly...
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.
For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
