Fellowship around the Table

IF YOU’RE SEARCHING for prayer recipes for your Christmas dinner, may I suggest a prayer that might help you avoid hearing an extra long one from Uncle Ernie about all the world’s problems. My suggestion, which would probably be shorter, is commonly called the “Lord’s Prayer.” And, the whole family could say it together around the table!  With that in mind, it might be helpful to break the prayer down a bit.

“Our.” The first word gives ownership by uniting all readers. For example, making no distinction between Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, or Baptist.

“Father.” This word gives some people trouble. This could be because it makes God “gender specific,” or perhaps the word “father” brings some ugly memories of abusive homes. Let that go for a moment and hold respect for the day in which the prayer was spoken. The word is better translated in the loving tone of a small child asking for his daddy’s help. God is seen as the giver of all good things.

“Who art in heaven.” Our God is the God who holds our world together. God is not an entity above and detached from the world. God created it and contains it.

“Hallowed be thy name.” In a world where kids are being named after rock stars and soft drinks, we don’t find much reverence for names. However, the name of God should give us pause. It causes us to reflect something outside of our own name. As Christian scripture says, “. . . the name which is above all names.”

“Thy Kingdom come.” Does this mean we’re sitting around waiting for Jesus’ return? No, even Jesus Himself would tell us that only God the Father knows the day and the hour for His return. But, believers can look forward to Christ’s return and the coming of His Kingdom.

“Thy will be done.” That’s a controversial statement. Wars are being fought for “God’s will.”  This is a major stumbling block to some people considering faith. But the next phrase, “On Earth as it is in Heaven,” illuminates the meaning. The prayer is seeking to establish on Earth what is transparent in heaven. It is seeking things like goodwill, justice and the re-establishment of creation’s purpose, namely that people have a relationship with their Creator.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Long before the recovering addict or alcoholic discovered life “one day at a time,” the Lord’s Prayer causes us to proclaim gratitude for the bread we have today - in this moment.

“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Fortunately, I don’t think this limits God’s forgiveness to the same haphazard way I forgive others. It’s a reminder of the power we carry to forgive one another. It’s a reminder to use this power responsibly.

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” This phrase reminds me that all of us are weak and sometimes powerless, and we can only make it with God’s help.

“For Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever; Amen.” The word “Amen” simply means, “Let all of this be so!”

Consider this: many times our most precious leisure moments are when family members gather around the table for good food and fellowship, providing the opportunity for visiting, sharing stories, and laughing together. "May all of this be so," for all of us this Christmas!
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– This material was adapted from a column by Chaplain Norris Burkes. It is used with permission.