As a small child, I knelt at the pew.
I never bowed my head but stared up at the giant cross above the priest’s head. His repetitive prayers went on and on as I focused on the large wooden carving that shadowed us all.
If I found my place back in that pew these day, I could repeat the prayers of that priest with the rest of the voices around me. I would probably not even think much of it, probably in the same way I thought nothing when I was child. I was too mystified by Jesus hanging up there and I would probably find myself in the same manner over 30 years later.
As I pray these, sometimes I find some repetition, but other times I am just in thought about the Lord as I still envision that church of childhood past. The cross and magnificent stained glass windows would draw me in. The alcoves filled with candles would be calling me to count the lit candles for the lives remembered that day. Memories would flood back and repetition would beckon me to say the words to God as if a whisper of commonality in the pews begged me to do so.
Instead I cover my face with my folded hands. I pray for peace and for answers. I ask for protection and pour thankfulness towards the Lord. The glistening light through the stained glass Jesus fills my heart with warmth in knowing that we all want the same and need the same despite us praising differently.
My roots speak the Lord’s Prayer.
I can hear my elders before me calling out to the Lord in His own words. When we come together in corporate worship, with hearts on fire and faith filled hearts, our words matter more than praying knees in a church pew, covered faces at the dining room table or outstretched hands in the wilderness.
Let us pray together.
Matthew 6:9-13 KJV
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
When we come together in corporate worship, with hearts on fire and faith filled hearts, our words matter more than praying knees in a church pew, covered faces at the dining room table or outstretched hands in the wilderness Click To Tweet
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This is so beautiful! I’ve prayed the Lord’s Prayer since I was a little girl and now I pray it daily with my own daughter. I was raised in a Pentecostal church and only recently begun to discover the beauty of common prayers.
The lords prayer has always brought about changes in my life and others. I loved this post such encouraging words.