02 August 2026

02 August 2026 - Our Father One

Transcript

I said a while back that I wanted to do a series on The Lord’s Prayer. I think it is time to start that series now. [To begin with I am going to need the deacon’s help.] What we are going to read in a moment is something I wrote just a couple of months after I started seminary. I looked at the date. Forty-eight years ago! The reason I wrote it was because I was frustrated at how casually I felt we were praying The Our Father at an evening prayer time in the seminary. I know, rather arrogant of me wasn’t it!

But I do think we tend to go through many prayers not really thinking about what we are saying. That is why it is important every once in a while to reflect on what it is we do when we pray. So, without any further delay, this is what I wrote forty-eight years ago:

Hi Dad;

OUR FATHER,

How's everything at home?

WHO ART IN HEAVEN,

You know, I'm glad I can talk to you, other kids aren't so lucky with their dads.

HALLOWED BE THY NAME;

I'm looking forward to coming home, everything  you've been saying makes it sound so good.

THY KINGDOM COME;

You know, Dad, everyone minds you at home; now I'm beginning to understand why and I'm finding that I want to listen to what you have to say, also.

THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.

I almost hate to ask, but--things are getting a little bit tough here, I could use your help.

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD;

You know, I've been listening to what you've been saying, and -uh- it hurts, it's hard to do -but- I guess - if you can overlook all the things that I have done, I suppose I better - or rather - I suppose I can - overlook what others do to me -- if you'll help me to.

AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US;

You know, it's been so long since I've seen you, and I've never been to the new  place - I don't' even know how to get home; will you send some directions? --- Please?

AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION,

Not much else to say, except that I don't like what I see around me here. I'm tired  of fighting all this stuff. Can you - will you - help me?

BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL.

I know I said it before, but I want to come home so bad because that seems to be the only place I'm really accepted. I need to be part of your house again.

FOR THE KINGDOM,

I guess what I'm saying is: I haven't really  grown up yet - I still need you to help me - just like before. Hey, remember when you--well -  we can reminisce later, after I get home. 
 --- I always saw you as being strong, I guess you always will be to me. --- Now that I look back  on it, everything you ever did for me was right. I may  not have thought so at the time, but then - they always say hind-sight is better. --- You raised me well, Dad.

THE POWER, AND THE GLORY, ARE YOURS

I guess what I'm trying to say - in my own fumbling way is: I love you -- and I'll never stop loving you because of all that you've done.

NOW AND FOREVER.

Your children; the church.

AMEN.

If this has helped you reflect a little bit more on the prayer that Jesus gave us, it has served its purpose. I will be digging into specific phrases of The Our Father over the next few of weeks.

As it says on the marque at St. Joan of Arc: “stay prayed up!”

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