Growing up I learned the following text and recited it often during Sunday mornings or special gatherings. As a child it felt serious, though I knew it was significant. However, as I get older I realize the simple power in this prayer as it deals with all of life.
The context to this was a bunch of apprentices, the disciples, asking their leader, Jesus, how to pray. He taught them to pray like this.
“Our Father in heaven
Hallowed be your name
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
As we forgive those who have sinned against us.
Keep us away from temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.”(Matthew 6:9-13)
Here is what these means to me:
Father in heaven
You are so holy. Your name is worthy of all my praise.
Do on earth what you are doing in heaven. Make the bad here on earth good.
Please provide our daily needs for my family and my company.
Forgive us (me) of all of our sins,
As we forgive anyone who has wronged against us, hurt us or shamed us.
Keep us far away from the temptation of lust, greed or any other temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
This prayer touches on giving honor, while asking God to bring his presence into your world. It asks for our daily needs and then prepares us to forgive others and keep us from temptations.
What would happen if every leader prayed this prayer everyday and meant it? What would happen to our cultures, to our businesses and our families? I know I can’t force all leaders to do it, so I can do what only I can do – I can start with me. I prayed this this morning. Want to join me?
