Those of you who are familiar with computers are aware of pull-down menus. When you touch one item, a whole series of possibilities opens next. Such is the way with 57 Greek words which, when translated into English, constitute a prayer we commonly refer to as the Lord's Prayer. Each phrase in this dynamic prayer pattern opens powerful vistas of spiritual insight and potential.
But before we reflect on these words, let us look at the background. One year had passed from the time Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist at River Jordan. Luke 11 tells us that in the months the disciples had walked with Jesus, they had often heard him pray. They were deeply impressed that his prayers were so different from those of the Pharisees. When Jesus prayed, His prayers were warm, intimate, and personal. In contrast, when the Pharisees prayed, their prayers were cold and impersonal. This prompted the disciples to come to Him with the request: "Lord, teach us to pray..."
Today we need to re-voice the request of the disciples long ago. Prayer for many has become the sending of night letters to God (to use Peter Marshall's expression), or in more contemporary terms, the spiritual e-mailing of our wants and wishes to our heavenly Father. Prayer is one of the most neglected elements of our relationship with God, without which we remain impoverished and isolated from the warmth of His presence. The prayers of Jesus form the back-drop of a relationship with God, which we desperately need today.
In public, Jesus' prayers were short; in private, quite long. Our prayers ten to be just the opposite-rather lengthy when we wish to impress people but very short or none at all in the privacy of our bedrooms.
In response to the disciples' request, Jesus said, "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." Quoted from the book of Matthew 6:9-13.
Now let's begin with the first phrase, "Our Father." First notice the possessive pronoun our. At least 75 times Jesus used the term "My", often saying, "My Father." But in praying "Our Father," Jesus reminds the disciples that God is the Father of all who have come to peace with His Son through His blood on the cross. When you pray, "Our", you step into the fellowship of the disciples who walked with Jesus. You are also in the spiritual company of the Christians in the early church who met in catacombs. You worship in the same spirit and fellowship of brothers and sisters meeting behind closed doors for fear of the authorities. You are in the invisible company of the redeemed of all ages who have prayed that same prayer.
Notice, too, there is selflessness in this term "Our." Not "I," "me," or "my"... but "Our Father." Much of our prayer focuses focuses on the fulfillment of our selfish nature instead of searching out broader path of need for our families, our neighborhoods, and our brothers and sisters around the world. "God bless us four and no more!" One of the great, undiscovered truths is that the Church of Jesus Christ is a living organism which crosses cultures, prejudices, languages, and barriers. It can fairly be said that no nation in the world is devoid of some who name the name of Jesus Christ and pray to the Almighty as Sovereign Lord and God. These are your brothers and sisters.
The Church of Jesus Christ knows no geographical, racial or temporal boundaries. All who have trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior are brothers and sisters.
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