The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and Power

 

The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and Power

In the eleventh chapter of the Gospel of Luke, a disciple of Jesus asks Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John [the Baptist] also taught his disciples" (verse 1:1). Jesus responds by imparting to them a prayer that has since been revered as the Our Father or the Lord's Prayer. This prayer holds a place of unparalleled significance among Christians, as it is the very prayer Jesus himself provided for guidance. While the Gospels reveal several instances of Jesus' own prayers, it is solely in the case of the Lord's Prayer that He instructs, "Pray in this manner."

Every phrase of this prayer is rich with significance, a depth that can sometimes be overlooked when it is recited mechanically during church gatherings. The prayer comprises six requests, with five originating from the Lord and one later incorporated by the early church. These petitions echo the key aspects of Jesus's life and teachings. Jesus intended this prayer not just as a ritual but as a transformative guide for our lives, and through us, a means to influence and transform the world.

Multiple Versions of the Lord’s Prayer?

The Lord's Prayer has been passed down through three primary renditions from early Christian history. The most recognized of these is found in Matthew's Gospel, specifically within the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:9-13). The English rendition we commonly use today was significantly influenced by William Tyndale's translation from 1525. This translation subsequently shaped the version used in the sixteenth-century Book of Common Prayer, and later, the King James Bible of 1611. Tyndale's interpretation underwent minor alterations to become the version commonly recited by English-speaking Protestants and Catholics in contemporary times. A comparison between the King James Version and a modern translation, such as the New International Version, reveals differences. Notably, modern translations like the New International Version draw from more accurate Greek manuscripts of Matthew's Gospel than those available in 1611:

 

Besides the variations of the Lord's Prayer presented in different English translations, there's also an alternate version found in Luke's Gospel. The New International Version offers this rendition from Luke 11:2-4:

Father,

hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
  for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And lead us not into temptation.

It's important to note that the versions of the Lord's Prayer in the New Testament, as recorded by Matthew and Luke, do not include the familiar closing doxology, "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."

Additionally, there exists a third form of the Lord's Prayer, preserved in an early Christian text known as The Didache, or The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. This document, intriguing for its insights into the practices of the early church, is believed by some scholars to date back to the first century, while others place it in the second century. It serves as a guide for Christian living. In its eighth chapter, The Didache includes a version of the prayer that mirrors that found in Matthew's Gospel.

Do not pray as the hypocrites, but as the Lord commanded in his Gospel, pray thus: "Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, as in Heaven so also upon earth; give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debt as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into trial, but deliver us from the Evil One, for thine is the power and the glory for ever." Pray thus three times a day.

This version notably incorporates the doxology. Additionally, it emphasizes with the highlighted directive, "Pray thus three times a day." This underscores the significant role the Lord's Prayer played in the daily lives of early Christians.

This prayer has grown deeply meaningful to me over time. I find myself praying and reflecting on its words during my morning walks with my dogs. It accompanies me in every visit to hospitals and nursing homes. In moments of parting, with those nearing the end of their journey and with their loved ones, I offer this prayer at funerals and memorial services.

During a visit to a hospice care patient, I met a veteran named Don (not his real name), who was nearing the end of his life. He had been unresponsive for hours, with closed eyes and increasingly labored breathing. The hospice nurse indicated that his passing was imminent. He hadn't spoken since the previous day. Sitting beside his bed, I gently held his hand, addressing both him and his family gathered in the room. I spoke of Christ's love and His promises, read passages from Scripture, and expressed my gratitude for the privilege of serving as his chaplain. I then anointed him with oil, marking his forehead with the sign of the cross as a symbol of his belonging to Christ. Together with his loved ones, each laying a hand on him, we prayed. We gave thanks for Don's life and entrusted him into God's care. At the conclusion of this prayer, I said words I had spoken many times before, "Now, let us join together in the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray saying,

Our Father, who art in heaven,
   hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
   thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,
   as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us, not into temptation,
   but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

  forever and ever. Amen.

At the end of the prayer, one of his children pointed out, "Did you all see that?" Another confirmed, "Yes, I saw it. He was moving his lips, reciting the Lord's Prayer along with us." It was a sacred and profoundly touching moment. Those were the final words Don tried to utter before he passed away a few minutes later. I have witnessed similar occurrences numerous times. Each instance serves as a poignant reminder of the deep significance this prayer holds for many people. It is profoundly ingrained in the hearts and memories of countless Christians.

The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Monday, December 18, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Monday, December 18, 2023

Unshakable Faith in Divine Providence

Psalm 125; 1 Kings 18:1-18; Ephesians 6:10-17
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Advent 3)

Introduction

Psalm 125 stands as a resolute declaration of the steadfastness of those who trust in the Lord, likening them to Mount Zion, which cannot be moved. Moving through the dramatic confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:1-18, we witness the powerful assertion of God's supremacy and the vindication of unwavering faith against idolatry. Ephesians 6:10-17 then arms us with the metaphorical armor of God, fortifying believers for the spiritual battles ahead. Together, these passages weave a narrative of unshakable faith, encouraging believers to stand firm in the face of adversity, confident in the divine providence that guards and guides their path.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 125
The Assurance of God’s Protection

Psalm 125 is a song of ascent, sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem, reflecting on the enduring security of those who trust in the Lord. This psalm draws a vivid analogy between the steadfast mountains surrounding Jerusalem and the Lord's unshakeable protection of His people. It is a powerful reminder that, just as the mountains encircle the city, God encompasses His people, both now and forevermore.

1    Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, *
        which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

2    As the mountains surround Jerusalem, *
        so the Lord surrounds his people
            both now and forevermore.

3    The scepter of the wicked will not remain
        over the land allotted to the righteous, *
    for then the righteous might use
        their hands to do evil.

4    Lord, do good to those who are good, *
        to those who are upright in heart.

5    But those who turn to crooked ways *
        the Lord will banish with the evildoers.

Heavenly Father, like the mountains that cradle Jerusalem, Your protection surrounds us. Instill in our hearts the unshakeable trust that comes from Your promises. As we reflect on Psalm 125, may we be reminded of Your enduring faithfulness and the peace that comes from being anchored in Your presence. Strengthen us in faith, that we might stand firm against the trials and tribulations of this world, secure in the knowledge that Your love for us is as constant as the earth beneath our feet.

Be with us today and every day in Jesus Christ, Who taught us to pray:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

1 Kings 18:1-18
Confrontation on Mount Carmel

The passage from 1 Kings 18:1-18 depicts a dramatic scene from the Old Testament, where the prophet Elijah emerges from seclusion to challenge Ahab, the king of Israel, and the prophets of Baal. The nation of Israel is in the midst of a severe famine, seen as a consequence of their worship of false gods. Elijah, the lone prophet of the Lord, confronts Ahab and orchestrates a showdown to prove whose deity is genuinely in control—the Lord or Baal. This passage sets the stage for one of the most powerful demonstrations of God's power and sovereignty in the Bible.

18 1 After a long time, in the third year, the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land.” 2 So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab.

Now the famine was severe in Samaria, 3 and Ahab had summoned Obadiah, his palace administrator. (Obadiah was a devout believer in the Lord. 4 While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.) 5 Ahab had said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs and valleys. Maybe we can find some grass to keep the horses and mules alive so we will not have to kill any of our animals.” 6 So they divided the land they were to cover, Ahab going in one direction and Obadiah in another.

7 As Obadiah was walking along, Elijah met him. Obadiah recognized him, bowed down to the ground, and said, “Is it really you, my lord Elijah?”

8 “Yes,” he replied. “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here.’”

9 “What have I done wrong,” asked Obadiah, “that you are handing your servant over to Ahab to be put to death? 10 As surely as the Lord your God lives, there is not a nation or kingdom where my master has not sent someone to look for you. And whenever a nation or kingdom claimed you were not there, he made them swear they could not find you. 11 But now you tell me to go to my master and say, ‘Elijah is here.’ 12 I don’t know where the Spirit of the Lord may carry you when I leave you. If I go and tell Ahab and he doesn’t find you, he will kill me. Yet I your servant have worshiped the Lord since my youth. 13 Haven’t you heard, my lord, what I did while Jezebel was killing the prophets of the Lord? I hid a hundred of the Lord’s prophets in two caves, fifty in each, and supplied them with food and water. 14 And now you tell me to go to my master and say, ‘Elijah is here.’ He will kill me!”

15 Elijah said, “As the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today.”

16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Elijah. 17 When he saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?”

18 “I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the Lord’s commands and have followed the Baals.

Commentary

1 Kings 18:1-18 is a significant passage in the Old Testament, presenting a dramatic encounter between the prophet Elijah and the representatives of King Ahab, including Obadiah, the palace administrator. This passage is rich in themes and narrative elements, and its commentary can be broken down as follows:

Verses 1-2 (Context and Setting): The passage begins with God telling Elijah to present himself to Ahab after a long period of drought in Israel. The drought was a consequence of Israel's idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity associated with rain and fertility. Elijah's re-emergence is significant as he was a staunch opponent of Baal worship and had been in hiding due to King Ahab's persecution of the prophets of God.

Verses 3-6 (Obadiah’s Role): Obadiah, a devout believer in Yahweh, had risked his life to protect God's prophets from Ahab's wife, Jezebel, who was executing them. Despite his high position, Obadiah's allegiance to God over the royal authority is noteworthy. His actions to preserve the prophets symbolize the remnant of true believers in a largely apostate Israel.

Verses 7-16 (Elijah and Obadiah’s Encounter): Elijah's meeting with Obadiah is marked by tension. Obadiah recognizes Elijah immediately, demonstrating Elijah's reputation and the fear he instilled in Ahab's court. Elijah's instruction to Obadiah to announce his presence to Ahab is met with fear, as Obadiah worries about the consequences if Elijah were to disappear again. This reflects the precarious nature of being a follower of God in a hostile environment.

Verses 17-18 (Elijah’s Confrontation with Ahab): The climax of the passage is the confrontation between Ahab and Elijah. Ahab's accusation of Elijah as the "troubler of Israel" is met with a bold retort from Elijah, who flips the accusation back on Ahab, blaming his and Israel's troubles on their abandonment of God's commands and their embrace of Baal worship.

In summary, this passage highlights the themes of divine judgment, faithfulness in adversity, the conflict between true and false worship, and the courage of God's prophets. Elijah's role as a prophet is characterized by his unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of a hostile royal power. The narrative sets the stage for the subsequent dramatic showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, emphasizing the power and sovereignty of God in the face of idolatry and apostasy.

Ephesians 6:10-17
Armor of God: The Spiritual Defense

In Ephesians 6:10-17, the Apostle Paul presents a powerful metaphor that has resonated through the ages: the Armor of God. This passage is a call to spiritual readiness, urging believers to stand firm against the forces of evil with divine strength and protection. Paul’s vivid imagery equips us with the understanding that the Christian life involves spiritual warfare, and to navigate it, one must don the full armor provided by God.

6 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Commentary

The Apostle Paul concludes his letter to the Ephesians with a compelling directive: to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. He is not calling for physical strength but for spiritual fortitude that comes from God's might. In this passage, Paul uses the analogy of a Roman soldier's armor to describe the spiritual armor that Christians must wear to withstand the trials and tribulations of life.

Verse 14a (The Belt of Truth): Just as a belt secures the garments of a soldier and provides freedom of movement, truth provides stability and readiness. It represents the sincerity of faith and integrity that holds the believer's life together.

Verse 14b (The Breastplate of Righteousness): The breastplate protects a soldier’s vital organs. For the believer, righteousness guards the heart against the assaults of Satan, particularly those that attack purity and the moral essence of one's character.

Verse 15 (Feet Fitted with the Readiness of the Gospel of Peace): Soldiers wore shoes that would help them to move quickly and with agility. Similarly, Christians are to be ready to move swiftly to spread the 'Good News' and to stand firm in the peace that comes from knowing Christ.

Verse 16 (The Shield of Faith): The Roman shield was large enough to cover the entire body; faith acts as such a shield, offering comprehensive protection. It can extinguish the fiery arrows of doubt, temptation, and fear launched by the adversary.

Verse 17a (The Helmet of Salvation): A soldier's helmet protects the head, the command center of the body. The helmet of salvation protects the mind from doubting the security and surety of the believer's salvation in Christ.

Verse 17b (The Sword of the Spirit): Unlike the other pieces of armor, which are primarily defensive, the sword is an offensive weapon. It represents the Word of God, which is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. It is both a tool for defense and a weapon against the spiritual deceits and doctrines of the world.

Paul emphasizes the necessity of prayer and vigilance in the life of a believer. The passage serves as a timeless reminder that the battles Christians face are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Therefore, wearing the full armor of God is essential for victory in the Christian life.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Monday, December 18, 2023
Unshakable Faith in Divine Providence
Psalm 125; 1 Kings 18:1-18; Ephesians 6:10-17
In today's readings, Psalm 125 stands as a resolute declaration of the steadfastness of those who trust in the Lord, likening them to Mount Zion, which cannot be moved. Moving through the dramatic confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18, we witness the powerful assertion of God's supremacy and the vindication of unwavering faith against idolatry. Ephesians 6 then arms us with the metaphorical armor of God, fortifying believers for the spiritual battles ahead. Together, these passages weave a narrative of unshakable faith, encouraging believers to stand firm in the face of adversity, confident in the divine providence that guards and guides their path.

The Morning Prayer for Monday, December 18, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Monday, December 18, 2023

Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come.
Psalm 65:1–2 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, in the stillness of this morning, I come to You in prayer, for to You, O God, does prayer come. Praise awaits You, to fulfill Your promise of grace. You who hear prayer, to You all people will come.

I stand in awe of Your deeds, Lord; with the sunrise, I see Your creation awaking, a testament to Your care. As the day breaks, help me to remember that in the multitude of Your mercy, I find my rest and provision.

Grant me the grace to face this day's tasks, to work with integrity, and to extend Your love to those around me. In moments of challenge, may I find strength in Your presence, and in times of joy, may my heart return to You in gratitude.

Bless this day, O God, keep me in Your righteous path, for You are where my journey begins and ends. In You, I place my trust and my hours, knowing that You are ever faithful.

In Your holy name, I pray, Amen.

Feel free to use this as a starting point for your own personal reflection or daily prayer practice.

Verse of the Day for Monday, December 18, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Monday, December 18, 2023

Luke 1:68-70

68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago).

Luke 1:68: This verse reflects the heart of Jewish hope and expectation. Zechariah is praising God for visiting his people, a theme with deep roots in Jewish tradition implying God's direct intervention for salvation.

Luke 1:69: The horn symbolizes strength and power; it is a metaphor drawn from the animal kingdom where horns are often a defense and weapon. Zechariah is recognizing the fulfillment of the covenant with David, as the Messiah is believed to come from David's lineage, a salvation not just in a spiritual sense but also in delivering from enemies.

Luke 1:70: This affirms that the events unfolding are not random but are the culmination of a long line of prophecy. It anchors the birth of John and the imminent arrival of Jesus within the narrative God has been writing through Israel's history.

Together, these verses set the stage for the New Testament's story, connecting it with the Old Testament's promises and prophecies. Zechariah's song is a declaration of God's faithfulness and a foretaste of the hope that Jesus' life and ministry would embody.

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

In the heart of the Gospel of Luke, nestled within the first chapter, verses 68 to 70 stand as a profound proclamation of divine intervention and promise. Known as part of Zechariah's Song, these verses encapsulate the joy and awe of Zechariah, a priest who has regained his voice following a divinely imposed silence, as he praises God for the redemption of Israel. With fervent words, he speaks of the Lord's visitation to His people, the raising of a mighty savior from David's ancestral line, and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. This passage serves not only as a personal testament of Zechariah's faith but also as an overture to the grand narrative of salvation history that Luke's Gospel unfolds.

Daily Devotions with Chaplain Kenny for Monday, December 18, 2023: Finding Peace in God's Presence

 

The Daily Devotional
Monday, December 18, 2023

Finding Peace in God's Presence

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:5–6

Reflection

For over 30 years, Lourdes, a voice instructor from Denver, had been teaching her students in person. The shift to online classes was daunting for her. She admitted her struggle with technology, saying, "I'm not tech-savvy. My computer is outdated, and I'm unfamiliar with online meeting tools."

This transition was not trivial for her; it was a source of significant worry. Living alone, she had no one to assist her. She feared losing her students and her livelihood.

Before each online session, Lourdes would hope fervently for her computer to function. She found solace in a Bible verse, Philippians 4:5–6, which she used as her desktop background, drawing strength from its message.

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to become overwhelmed by worries and uncertainties. Our minds often race with "what ifs" and fears about the future. But Philippians 4:5–6 offers a powerful antidote to our anxiety: the reassuring presence of the Lord.

"The Lord is near"—these four words are a gentle reminder that we are not alone. In moments of anxiety, it’s comforting to know that God is with us, closer than our very breath. This nearness is not just a physical proximity but a profound spiritual reality. God is intimately involved in the details of our lives, understanding our struggles and concerns.

"Do not be anxious about anything"—This is a directive, not just a suggestion. It's an invitation to shift our focus from our problems to God's promises. When worry knocks at the door of our hearts, faith in God's word and His character is what can help us answer. Anxiety often comes from feeling out of control, but recognizing God's sovereignty helps us to let go of our need to manage every aspect of our lives.

"But in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God"— Here lies the key to transforming our anxiety into peace. Prayer is not just a religious duty; it's a lifeline to the divine. In prayer, we acknowledge our dependence on God, laying down our burdens at His feet. Petition is bringing our specific needs and concerns to God, knowing He cares for us. And thanksgiving is crucial—it shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance of what we already have in Christ.

As we practice this divine prescription—acknowledging God's nearness, refusing to give in to anxiety, and turning to Him in prayer with thanksgiving—something miraculous happens. Our circumstances may not change immediately, but our perspective does. We start to see our situations through the lens of faith and trust in God's unfailing love and power. In this space of trust and surrender, we find the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Application

1. Mindful Awareness of God’s Presence: Throughout your day, take moments to remind yourself that “The Lord is near.” This conscious acknowledgment can shift your mindset and bring peace.

2. Prayer as a First Response: When worries arise, make it a habit to turn to prayer immediately, rather than allowing anxiety to build up.

3. Gratitude Journaling: Keep a daily journal of things you are thankful for. This practice of thanksgiving can change your perspective and help reduce anxiety.

4. Scripture Memorization: Memorize Philippians 4:5–6 and other comforting scriptures. Reciting them during anxious times can be a powerful tool for peace.

5. Community Support: Share your worries with trusted friends or a faith community. Often, sharing our burdens lightens them, and the support of others can be a tangible expression of God’s presence.

Conclusion

Lourdes, in her journey to adapt to online teaching, discovered valuable online resources that helped her tackle computer problems, and she was fortunate to have empathetic students who were considerate of her technical struggles. This experience highlights the continuous peace and support that God offers as we face various challenges in life, encouraging us to always "Rejoice in the Lord" (Philippians 4:4). As you adopt similar practices, may your heart be steadfastly grounded in God's peace, resilient against the uncertainties of life, and always mindful of the comforting truth that in every circumstance, the Lord is near.

 

Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM
The Bible texts are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®