“When we call out for help, we are bound more powerfully to God through our needs and weakness, our unfulfilled hopes and dreams, and our anxieties and problems than we ever could have been through our joys, successes, and strengths alone. .” writes Brian McLaren in his book Naked Spirituality.
Today let us respond to MCC’s call to prayer and Pope Francis’ invitation to join globally, praying the Lord’s Prayer at noon. It is my prayer that as we pray we may be bound more powerfully to our God.
God’s people globally pray the prayer Jesus taught his disciples in many languages and many versions. Perhaps pray the version that feels most at home for you and then pray an alternate version today. For example, the Lord’s Prayer which comes to us from the New Zealand prayer book.
Praying with new language, be attentive to that which catches your heart’s attention. Is there an image that is prominent? What names for God resonate for you? Be curious. Be attentive. Be open.
We offer our prayers today to God, trusting God the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer hears us when we pray and will respond with love and grace.
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life giver
Source of all that is
and all that shall be
Father and Mother of us all
Loving God, in whom is heaven
The hallowing of your name
echo through the universe.
The way of your justice be followed
by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all
created beings
Your commonwealth of peace and
freedom sustain our hope and come
on earth
With the bread we need for today,
feed us,
In the hurts we absorb from one
another, forgive us,
In times of temptation and test,
strengthen us,
From trials too great to endure,
spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil,
free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love now and forever.
And all God’s people said, Amen!!
God’s peace be yours,
Kara