During the Eucharistic celebration one evening, the presider invited us to pray a different “Our Father”. I found the prayer poetic, beautiful, and meaningful that I saved a photocopy of it. I think this version makes the Lord’s Prayer more relevant to our present context.
God, source of all our activity, we offer our prayer to you as we say: Our Father who is in heaven.
When we see the gifts, generosity and potential in each other, Lord, teach us to pray: Holy be your name.
When we think of the future as fixed and impossible to change, Lord, teach us to pray: Your kingdom come.
When we evade the challenges and deep demands of life by saying they are too idealistic, Lord, teach us to pray: Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
As we try to live and spread the Gospel message of love, peace and joy, we need to be strengthened and nourished by your presence and grace. Lord, teach us to pray: Give us this day our daily bread.
When we fail in our openness and response to your Word-made-flesh, and have not the courage to live in hope and peace. Lord, teach us to pray: Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us.
When we are faced with pressures that are likely to be too much for us. Lord teach us to pray: Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
That we may constantly realize that it is your work that we do in building the Kingdom of God. Lord, teach us to pray: Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Trully a significant prayer father Stephen. Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful words. Tonight, when i shall rest, i’d would utter them with much enthusiam and confidence, thanking Him for every blessing He bestowed upon me, while asking forgiveness of my misdemeanors, so that i may realize His greatness and love for us all!
i think that priest is really a prayerful and reflective priest. he was able to immerse with reality.