I have a number of issues with today's church, but none bigger than The Lord's Prayer. You know how it goes (from Matthew 6)...
Our Father, who art in heaven,Now, my problem is not with the prayer itself. I LOVE it! It's not even what version you use. My problem is with those churches who are all somber and respectful and like, "Now let's pray as our Lord taught us to"... or "This is how Jesus taught us to pray" (said in a deep, monotone voice)... AND THEN THEY SPEED THROUGH IT LIKE THE THE PEWS ARE ON FIRE!!!
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from the evil one.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Why do churches/people do that?!? Why do they say it so fast and void of meaning? Do they even THINK about what they're saying??
IT'S A PRAYER, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!! Say it like a prayer (or, God forbid, PRAY it like a prayer)!
Anyway, yesterday we attended a church gathering - our second time with this group (Canvas) - and for two weeks in a row they actually read/prayed The Lord's Prayer together... and read/prayed it like it's supposed to be done! They paused in the correct places, emphasized the right words, and went through it at a sloooooow and prayerful pace... It didn't hurt that they then followed it up with a Rich Mullins song too.
I don't know, maybe I'm making too much of the issue, but if I'm at a worship gathering and they speed-read through The Lord's Prayer, I feel like they've missed the whole point. And if they miss the point with this... who knows if they're sincere about anything!?
There, I'm glad I finally got that off my chest...
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