A Letter from Lindy July 24

Pilgrims,

Our gospel text for Sunday is a doozy. It starts out with the disciples innocently asking Jesus to teach them how to pray and instead he offers them the words we know by heart, aptly named “The Lord’s Prayer.” He answers their “how” question with a “what” answer.

Then he goes on to explain what the prayer relationship with God looks like and you find yourself scratching your head wondering what Jesus might be smoking. It's enough to throw up your hands and decide picking up this cross-thing is just too hard. 

From bread to fish to snakes to eggs and scorpions, oh my!! Maybe just play it safe and stick with “Our Loving Parent God…”

As much as we repeat the words weekly, I wonder if we turn them over in our brains/hearts to listen to what we are asking of God. Of ourselves. Because this little baby prayer is revolutionary. Deep. Startling.

GOD, you are most hallowed. We love you above all.

Make your kindom replace this kingdom that we might live like you would have us live.

Give us all bread for tomorrow.

Forgive us our separation from you. For we have forgiven those separated from us.

And do not bring us into judgment.

We ought to pray this like we mean it.

Beloveds, Jesus isn’t teaching us how to pray, he is showing us what to pray. Pray for the restoration of the world. Pray for change in behavior. Pray for equality and true justice. Pray for our becoming what GOD wants.

All of a sudden, this little prayer feels as freighted as the rest of our text! Jesus may give us the words, but he’s asking us to become The Lord’s Prayer itself.

Jesus is showing us that praying to GOD is active and participatory in this great embodied experiment. 

Let’s buckle up so he can take the wheel.

Pastor Lindy (she/her) why pronouns matter
 
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