A prayer we commonly use in our classrooms and prayer gatherings is the Lord’s Prayer. A prayer based on the gospel, Luke 11:1-13. Students learn this from an early age at home and it is one of the earlier prayers taught in our Catholic Schools. Christ gave us the Lord's prayer as a spiritual instruction. It lays out concise instructions on how to walk in the way of God. Here we reflect on these instructions and their continued relevance today.

"Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name."

God is the Father of all humanity. His name is sacred and should be used reverently.

“Your Kingdom come”

Jesus’ teaching and deeds of compassion show us what this reign of God looks like. We, through the power of the Spirit, are invited to participate in bringing the Kingdom of love, justice and healing to our world.

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

Be satisfied if your daily needs are met, and refrain from the obsession to accumulate beyond your needs.

“And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

God is merciful and compassionate and can and does forgive our sins. We in turn strive to forgive others as Christ teaches. Elsewhere, Jesus tells us that the measure we give will be the measure we get back. (Mark 4:24)

“And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”

We will be tempted to stray from the path of God, just as Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. Jesus is our blueprint; he didn't give in to temptation but remained in the Father. We have a choice to make, whether to live a God-centred life or an ego-centred life.

Amen