When a disciple asked Jesus to teach he and his fellow apprentices to pray, he probably expected something similar to what he learned growing up: a route prayer. Maybe Jesus’ prayer would sound different, use different words than the Shema, but ultimately, it would be another collection of words whose force was felt through repetition. Yet, what the disciple wanted, and what Jesus wanted for his followers, was not a fresh version of the same old thing, but something that took us to the depths of “routine religion.”
Jesus desires us not to merely pray memorized words, but to pray in a way that moves us from the shallows into the depths of faith. A move that, ironically enough keeps us firmly grounded in the weeds of daily life (see Matt. 6:19-34). Still, its a movement into depth that begins by emphasizing the heart of our faith: forgiveness:
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)
So this week, slowly pray the words Jesus taught us below. But this time, as the Holy Spirit leads, let your conversation with God lead linger in depths of embolden phrase. Allow the weight of what has been forgiven you, be an alleviating joy. Allow the weight of what needs forgiving in others, be a prostrating plea.
Now, let’s pray with Jesus Matthew 6:9-13 from The Message:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right.
Do what’s best — as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
Your in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze with beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.