The Lord’s Prayer was one of the first pieces of literature I memorized. By the time I was 4 or 5, I could recite it. How about you? Sometimes, when I cannot think of what to pray, I recite the Lord’s Prayer. Its words provide a powerful connection with God. I have heard some preachers say that the Lord’s Prayer is only an example of how I should pray, not necessarily a prayer that I should pray. But why should I not? Jesus gave me these words; the Lord’s Prayer has the ultimate celebrity endorsement.
But how often do I (or you) mouth the Lord’s Prayer from rote, saying the words without connecting to its intent? How often do I (or you) race through the Lord’s Prayer just to say, “I’ve prayed.”? Embarrassed, I can answer, “One time too many.” So, how do I rectify this? How can I bring myself back into the Lord’s Prayer?
I have two ways of reconnecting with the Lord’s Prayer. First, I make it personal. All the first person pronouns in the Lord’s Prayer are plural—“we” and “us” and “our.” I substitute first person singular pronouns—“I,” “me,” and “my”—into the prayer. This substitution slows me because I must consciously consider the words I am saying. It also reinforces to me that the prayer is a conversation between God and me.
Secondly, I make it even more personal. After each phrase, I expound upon that phrase. That phrase becomes a mini-thesis statement to which I add my supporting arguments.[1] For each phrase, I expand the conversation with God before reciting the next phrase. Here’s an example:
| THE LORD’S PRAYER (first person) Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV) | Expanded Conversation with God |
| My Father who art in heaven | Father, you created the heavens and earth and sea. From Your throne, you look out on all Your creation. You deserve all praise. |
| hallowed be Your name | Your name is to be exalted and not taken in vain. You are Lord Almighty (Yahweh Tsebaoth). You are Lord God (Elohim). You are worthy to be praised. |
| Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. | You sent Your Son to establish Your kingdom here on earth. You sent Your Son to show me the way to salvation. Listen. Obey. Do. |
| Give me this day my daily bread. | Lord, I thank you for providing for my needs. I thank you Lord for every blessing. I am humbled by Your concern and care for me. |
| And forgive me my sins | I bow down before You asking for forgiveness. I have not done all that You asked; conversely, I have done many things that were not pleasing to You. Please wash me clean. Please have mercy on me. I thank you for Your mercy. |
| as I forgive those who have sinned against me. | Lord, Lord, Lord. Please help me forgive others, because I know Your forgiveness of me is contingent upon me forgiving others. Please help me heal from any transgressions against me. Please heal and help those who have transgressed against me. |
| Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. | I know trials will come, so I rely on You to strengthen me. I rely on you to fortify my resolve. Please protect me from harm. Please lead me away, around, and from danger. I thank You. |
Reflection: The next time you recite the Lord’s Prayer in your private worship, personalize it. Reflect on the connection you make with God. Make it a conversation, not just a recitation.
[1] Can you tell I am in school writing papers? 😊
Definitely shall attempt to personalize and see how it goes.
Very different and unique approach to prayer and praying the The Lord’s Prayer.
Wow – Powerful! Today is right on time! The next time I recite the Lord’s Prayer, I will surely personalize it.
This is s thoughtful and helpful! I appreciate how personalizing the Lord’s Prayer connects me with God. I pray the Lord’s Prayer every night because it clears my mind from the hustle and bustle of life at the end of the day.
Thank for reinforcing my prayer life. I can tell God is doing a new thing in you! 😊