I’ve begun offering an abbreviated session of hymn singing and Bible study on our newly opened secure unit at the nursing home. The singing always touches something deep and even those who seem disconnected rise to the occasion, the words and music coming from somewhere deep inside. Bible study is a little harder, since many have trouble processing ideas and then responding to them. But last week, as we were talking about the Lord’s Prayer, one of the residents asked a startling question. He said, “What if the Lord’s Prayer isn’t a series of petitions but a statement of fact?” In other words, what if it isn’t, “[Please] give us this day our daily bread,” but [You] give us this day our daily bread. And [you] forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And [you] lead us not into temptation but [you] deliver us from evil.” I don’t know why I’d never thought of it before, but I will never hear or say that prayer again in quite the same way. Because His is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever.
21 Feb
Posted by level0690 on February 28, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Dorothy Sayers, in ‘The mind of the maker,’ regards the statements of the Nicene creed as statements of fact. I think I gave you a copy of the book. If not, please tell me. I think it’s a book you need.
We are of one body.
Posted by And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us… « My Takes on May 29, 2012 at 12:32 pm
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