Lenten Devotions

Sunday, February 24

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

It’s hard to know how to pray some times, isn’t it? Apparently even the apostles had a hard time with prayer because they asked to be taught how to pray. Jesus, Rabbi, the wondrous teacher, gave them this prayer, some version of this prayer—the gospels don’’t agree precisely.

So, what can we learn from this prayer? We begin by orienting ourselves to God, by focusing upon God. We seek the will of God, and we ask for what we need—not for the world, but what we need.

In this culture, it’s hard to distinguish need from want. It’s hard for five-year-olds, and it’s hard for us grown-ups, too. What do you really need? What is your heart»s deepest desire? What would be enough to meet your needs for this day?

May God grant you and me the answer to that prayer, and may God teach us to pray it well.

An Exercise

Before you sit down to pray today, take stock. Ask yourself how you are feeling, what you need, what you want. Are you feeling empty or full? Lost or found? Whole or in need of healing? (And, no, it is not cheating to ask God to help you be honest and clear about what you are feeling and needing.) Try to be mindful of asking God for just enough, for just exactly what it is you need.

For more information or to continue the conversation, write to Katie at katherinekinnison@covenantpcusa.org.

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