Importance of prayer and meditation...

Yesterday's lectionary was focused on Luke 11: 1-13 which holds the Lord's prayer as we recite it today. It offered the opportunity to speak about prayer.

Why do we pray? Do we pray because God expects it or for our own sake?

Years ago in the prairies during the winter the farmer would tie a rope from the back door to the barn so, in blizzard conditions, one would not get lost between the house and the barn. This exercise was the result of experiences where people would lose their way and freeze to death before anyone knew. Are you lost in the blizzard of your life? Tying a rope from your heart to God might be your lifeline. Keeping in touch with self allows God to be present in your life.

What if you do not know how to pray so depend on the Lord's prayer as your guide? The Lord's prayer is actually structured in such a way that has five imperatives. The first two concern the holiness of God and the establishment of God's kingdom, The final three ask for necessary provisions, forgiveness of sins and freedom from testing (Sacra Pagina 3, Luke pg. 179). This offers the opportunity to adopt a mantra and helps with consistency. However, in praying this way do we fall into the habit of just saying the words and not truly praying what it in our heart? Do we feel fulfilled?

Neil Douglas Klotz took the original words spoke by Jesus, in Aramaic and translated the Lord's prayer in many ways. Aramaic, like Greek, has the ability of words to have many meanings and emotion. This alternate translation can touch your heart and soul in different ways.

O radiant one: you shine within us,
outside us – even darkness shines – when we remember,
Focus your light within us – make it useful;
Create your reign of unity now ~
Your one desire then acts with ours,
as in all light, so in all forms.
Grant what we need each day in bread and insight.
Loose the cords of mistakes binding us,
as we release the strands we hold of others’ guilt.
Don’t let surface things delude us,
but free us from what holds us back.
From you is born all ruling will,
the power and the life to do,
the song that beautifies all,
from age to age it renews.
Truly ~ power to these statements ~
may they be the ground from which all our actions grow: Amen.

Pray from your own heart and as you connect with self you will open the door for God. As you pray remember those around you ~

Pastoral Prayer: Gracious God, Father and Mother, Shepherd and Judge, Lover of all Creation: we come this day knowing that you are with us always. We reflect on the simple things of life, especially the way in which Jesus taught us to pray. When we are overwhelmed, remind us to reflect on the basic aspects of life and our relationship with you. Help us to know that you hear us always, that you respond according to your will, and that you love us forever. Amen.

Blessings to all!