What way of praying are you most comfortable with?
Watch Kim’s video exploring the different layers encompassed within the Lord’s Prayer.
Discuss
– What way of praying are you most comfortable with?
Read the following quote and discuss whether this makes prayer more or less appealing to you.
“In giving us this prayer, Jesus has not left us to our own devices in our relationship to God. We need not flail around, trying to think up something to say to God. All we have to do is to say these words out of habit, by heart. It is the Lord’s prayer. We, who are accustomed to thinking of prayer as a good strategy for getting what we want… may be surprised that we must be taught to pray. This prayer is not for getting what we want but rather for bending our wants toward what God wants.” – Lord, Teach Us To Pray
Read Scripture (Matthew 6:9-13, The Message)
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Possible Activity for Littles
Read the Lord’s Prayer from the Jesus Storybook Bible and invite kids to draw a picture in response to the first part of the prayer: “Hello Daddy! We want to know you. Show us how.”
Reflect
– Who is it easy to imagine praying this prayer alongside?
– Who is it challenging to imagine?
– What does this part of the prayer reveal about God and God’s kingdom?
– What kind of people must we become to pray this prayer?
Pray
Close your time by praying the Lord’s Prayer in a way that allows you to engage both mind and heart.
For optional inspiration, you can watch this brief video featuring the Lord’s Prayer in several different languages below.
