The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

I begin with an endearing term of relationship, 'Father'. Remind me today that you live and reign, not in heaven only but all around me and in my life. Make me aware of your active presence all day, in all my undertakings and in the people I meet.

Hallowed by your name,

How can i recognise you - in the splendour of nature, in the odd mix of people I meet, in the still voice that calls me to be more like you? May I 'hallow' what lies before me, by consciously referring it to you, and also honour your perfection, your holiness, by seeking to become more like you.

Your kingdom come,

Yes, and allow me to be an agent of that kingdom by bringing peace to the anxious, grace to the needy and your love to all whom i touch. May people believe in your reign of goodness because of how I live today.

Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

I see that will most clearly in Jesus, who healed the sick and comforted the grieving, who lifted up the downtrodden, who stood always for life and not death, for hope and not despair, for freedom and not bondage. He lived out heaven's will on earth. Help me be like Jesus

Give us today our daily bread.

We have no guarantee of a day beyond this one. May i trust you for what I need today nourishment for both today and soul, and not worry about future needs and wants. May I also be ever responsive to those who lack bread today.

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Remind me of my true state, as a debtor who can never buy my way into your favour. Thank God, I do not have to. Grant me the same attitude of forgiving grace towards those who own me, and who have wronged me, that you show towards me.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Let me not slide mindlessly towards evil today.Make me alert to its temptations and strong to resist it, with neither fear nor regret.

- Prayer, Does it make any difference ?