| Wisdom that surrounds and embraces every living creature. May we witness our sacred nature. When we realize the interconnectedness that binds us, and the holiness that resides in every being, we will live in harmony and tremendous joy. Let us each have what we need today- nourishing food, clean water, safety, affection, and belonging. Help us to forgive each other and resist the temptations of the ego to build divisions. For we are one, throughout all space and time, from the diamond-twinkle of stars to the clever octopus of the deep. Growing up in the American Baptist Church I said the Lord’s Prayer every Sunday during the service: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy 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 those who debt against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. It was calming to hear my mother’s gentle voice mingle with my own in the deeper drone of congregational recitation. Most nights I also recited the prayer as I drifted off to sleep. I thought about who I needed to forgive- a friend who didn’t invite me to her skating party, my little brother for swiping my bike lock. I made a silent commitment to forgive them, so that I too could be forgiven. I thought it was a trade-off. If I forgave, then God would forgive me. My faith has evolved since my Baptist days, although I carry fond memories of the people who loved me so well in that congregation. Still, I enjoy wrestling with the words of traditional Christian liturgy. Now I believe holiness is in interconnection and seeing the sacred nature of every living thing. So, my “Lord’s Prayer” reflects that. How is your theological life going? Are there prayers that you would like to update? Rituals that could be altered to fit your beliefs now? In this time of cold weather let’s go deep, investigating how we can make each day sacred. |
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