In the Gospel lesson from Luke 11:1-13, the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray. His response is Luke’s recounting of the subtly challenging “Lord’s Prayer.” Throughout time poets and translators have striven to give voice and perspective on these deceptively simple words. Here is a prayer for the week to accompany your own favorite interpretation, graciously offered by worship leader Abby Embry. Below that, you’ll find Kentucky poet George Ella Lyon’s wonderful take on this Christian staple.
In the efforts of our prayers, Lord, help us in them be closer to you, closer to your vision for us, closer to a kin-dom not made of unity, but an embrace of the rich diversity of your work and world. Heal us of all that harms us, especially that which we harbor inside. Help us be both fire in the belly, and oil on troubled water at the right times. When we seek, let us find. When we knock, open to us what is needed so that we might open to others what is in our grasp to give. We are not perfect and we are not sure. We are yours, however. Holy Lord teach us to pray and act as children of great Love seeking great Love with every waking breath. Amen. –Rev. Kent Gilbert
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