I say... "Our"
...because I know my faith needs to have more room for other people and their needs.
I say... "Father"
...because I want a fundamental parental relationship in my daily life.
I say... "who is in heaven"
...because most of all my interests and pursuits are earthly concerns.
I say... "holy is your name"
...because I, who am uniquely called, strive to recognize God's mystery in the ordinary.
I say... "Your kingdom come"
...because I am willing to give up my self-centeredness to accept the reign of God.
I say... "You will be done"
...so I can welcome God's abundant wisdom into my day.
I say... "on earth as it is in heaven"
...because the way I live in the "here and now" matters to the "not yet."
I say... "give us this day our daily bread"
...so I can be grateful of God's overflowing graces and so I can give to the needy around me.
I say... "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us"
...because I need to reconcile myself to others, God, and myself and I need to understand the many ways I have been against as I strive for right relations.
I say... "lead us not into temptation"
...so I may choose freely what brings me life and discern those things that harm me.
I say... "deliver us from evil"
...so I recognize that Christ has already conquered sin and death.
I say... "the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours, now and forever."
...so I accept that you provide for us as gift and without you, I can do nothing.
I say... "Amen."
...so I can let my trust grow in you.
John Predmore, S.J., is a USA East Province Jesuit and was the pastor of Jordan's English language parish. He teaches art and directs BC High's adult spiritual formation programs. Formerly a retreat director in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Ignatian Spirituality is given through guided meditations, weekend-, 8-day, and 30-day Retreats based on The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatian Spirituality serves the contemporary world as people strive to develop a friendship with God.
Thank you for this. It is perfect to give to our RCIA catechumens and candidates when we present them with the Our Father. Would it be alright if I did that?
ReplyDeleteYes, please do.
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