CLT Prayer Initiative: Week 5
March 2, 2020 / By Rev. Harold Wheat
In this season, there are momentous preparations being made for our United Methodist community to part, possibly to multiply in new ways. How we do that matters. In the weeks leading up to General Conference, members of your Conference Leadership Team will be sharing prayers designed to be used however the Spirit calls you to use them. Click here to read more about the prayer initiative.
This week's prayer is provided by the Rev. Harold Wheat:
In the process of teaching humanity how to pray, Jesus left us with a treasure. “Our Father...”* This week, as we invoke the presence of the One who created and loves us, we invite you to pay special attention to the “Our.” As you say it, let your mind and heart embrace and be joined with all in our conference who desire God. Follow the gift of these words into a sense of awe at the name of our God, leave our circumstances in God’s care, and allow yourself to be drawn into praying this ancient prayer as part of a body. What will be, will be. Today, let us pray as Jesus taught us to pray.
Although the text, with modifications in italics, from the UM Hymnal (#894) is shared here for any who may not be familiar with The Lord’s Prayer, we invite you to use whatever version comes most freely to your heart and mind as we pray together.
Our [Mother/Father/Creator]* in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and forever. Amen.
* God is, of course, beyond identification with a single gender. Please pray using the language for God that helps you feel closest to God.
Click here to read about the authors participating in the Conference Leadership Team (CLT) Prayer Initiative.