Yesterday in the discussion that followed our Zoom church service, we talked about the importance of praying for our enemies and those with whom we disagree, mistrust, or feel some discomfort. We agreed one of the great opportunities and responsibilities open to us is practicing gratitude and praying for or, as some of like to word it, sending out positive intentions. One of the most important things I’ve learned from the 12 Step Program is that while I can’t change others, I can always change myself and the ways I approach others and situations, thus reducing tensions and opening doors to new possibilities, or as our pastor likes to say, “Love them, Lord. Change me.”
Following our discussion, I started digging in my files until I found a version of The Lord’s Prayer a friend had shared with me years ago and which comes from the New Zealand Prayer Book. I particularly like the poetic force and rhythm of the section that starts, “With the bread we need, feed us.’
“Eternal Spirit, Source of all that is and shall be, Father and Mother of us all; May the hallowing of your name echo through the universe; May the way of your justice be followed by the people of our world. May 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 too 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. Amen