POWERFUL WORDS--POWERFUL PRAYER

Most all of us learned the Lord’s Prayer as children and are used to the comfortableness of our memorized version.  Then, when we hear a different version, our minds pick up subtle differences and new emphases.  The new informs and strengthens the old.  Here is the Lord’s Prayer from the New Zealand Tradition.  What words stand out to you?  

             Eternal Spirit, Earth-Maker, Pain-bearer, Life-Giver,

             Source of all that is and all that shall be,

              Father and Mother of us all,

              Loving God, in whom is heaven:

              The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!

              The way of your justice be followed by the peoples

               Of the world!  Your heavenly will be done by all 

               Created beings!  May your commonwealth of peace 

               And Freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.

              With the bread we need for today, feed us.

               In the hurts we absorb from one another. Forgive us.

                In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.

                From trials to great to endure, spare us.

                From the grip of all that is evil. Free us.

                For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, 

               Now and forever and ever.  Amen 

Earth Steward Action:  Does this version of the Lord’s Prayer 

inform your concept of creation care and just actions? Pray for people of faith to take on creation care responsibilities.

Source:  New Zealand Book of Common Prayer