As summer approaches and the weather becomes more pleasant, let us take this opportunity to enter the new season in prayer. In recent months, we gathered to pray during Lent and Pentecost. During our final prayer session before the summer break, we reflected on the Lord’s Prayer. We meticulously focused on each word, sitting in silence, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into a reflective understanding of its meaning. I would like to extend an invitation to the entire church community to participate in this contemplative practice. Dedicate whatever time you find suitable, whether it be two minutes or two hours, each Thursday at 6:00 p.m., wherever you may be, to meditate on one line of the Lord’s Prayer. Permit the Holy Spirit to lead you into a richer comprehension of this sacred prayer. Attached is a schedule for us all to follow. Each week I will provide some starting points for the following week’s portion. This will serve as merely a guide to assist in delving into deeper and more robust contemplation of this prayer formula.
Tuesday, June 6th: “Our Father”
Note that this prayer begins by instructing us to pray from a collective standpoint; not “My Father” but “Our Father.” When we approach the throne of grace, we often begin from a self-centered perspective. Let us shift to a communal approach, recognizing that we pray as members of a larger family, considering not only our own concerns but those of the whole community. Additionally, we address God as Father. Regardless of our personal concept or earthly experience with a father figure, God represents the ultimate standard of what a Father should be. Let us concentrate on the fact that Jesus instructs us to approach God as “Our Father,” a loving and generous Father to all.
Prayer Schedule for the Summer:
Matthew 6:9–13 (NIV):
- June 6th: “‘Our Father
- June 13th: in heaven,
- June 20th: hallowed be your name,
- June 27th: your kingdom come,
- July 4th: your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
- July 11th: Give us today our daily bread.
- July 19th: And forgive us our debts,
- July 26th: as we also have forgiven our debtors.
- August 2nd: And lead us
- August 9th: not into temptation,
- August 16th: but deliver us from the evil one.’
- August 23rd: For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory
- August 30th: forever and ever. Amen.