Praying the Lord's Prayer through Lent :: Week One

“To be a Christian without prayer,” wrote Martin Luther “is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Communion with God is at the core of what it means to follow Christ. Prayer is the word we used to describe our interactions and communication with God. Jesus’ disciples noted something significant about Jesus’ time alone with God. It was so discernable that they plainly requested, “Jesus, teach us to pray…”

Over the next several weeks, we’re going to experientially explore how we can utilize the Lord’s Prayer (or perhaps better named, The Disciple’s Prayer) to connect with God. The following is a potential guide for this week.

Silence.

Take a minute and simple close your eyes and breath. Take a couple of deep breaths. Relax.

Read.

Slowly read through the Lord’s Prayer. As you do so, take note of what sticks out to you or grabs your attention.

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.

-Matthew 6:9-13

Read.

Slowly read through the prayer a second time. Only this time, do it out loud.

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.

-Matthew 6:9-13

Did you notice anything different that time? What was it like to hear yourself saying the words?

Read.

One more time, in silence, slowly read through the passage. Take note of what sticks out to you.

Pray.

Take the portion, line, phrase or word that sticks out and spend a few minutes talking with God.

This Week.

Do this each day this week. You may find it helpful to write down in a notebook the word, line or phrase that captures your attention.

Each day, do this with fresh anticipation to meet with God. People often experience God emphasizing different words and phrases to them each day.