There are two meditations I use frequently: The Pattern on the Trestleboard … and the Lord’s Prayer. The latter is attributed to Jesus, the Christ, in response to a question as to how one should pray. With that in mind, it’s intriguing to contemplate the words.
One question – one prayer.
Much of Jesus’ message escaped the attention of those around him … and still does. Perhaps, like these folks, we choke on the hulls of words and never make it to the meat. Perhaps this prayer holds meaning beyond the surface … where only the meek and humble would care to venture.
Doskolos (1), introduced early on, was not any old student of the Bible, but fluent in Greek and Aramaic … making his interpretations a bit different than the mainstream at times … as is the case with his take on this prayer.
Our Father, thou 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 transgressions As we forgive those who are transgressing against us. Lead us while being in temptation and deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, forever.
Jesus spoke this prayer in Aramaic, which is said to rely on intonation and rhythm. I suspect most folks here recognize there can be a profound difference between reading something (like this prayer) vs. hearing it spoken aloud. Could “speaking” and “hearing” have an impact beyond what we think?
I certainly believe this is possible … but above all else, I look to what I bring to the table when I draw forth these words (or for that matter, any words that are meant for meditation and centering). It begins with a desire … “something” moving me to speak the words. Fire unto fire. Words arise from my belly … swirling to release into the air … captured then by my ears … to a point of reunion with my spirit. A circle … a cycle … accomplishing far more than I can imagine … in essence, preparing me for the next step.
It’s a curious thing that brought this prayer to such importance in my life. It wasn’t until just a few years ago that I gave it a “proper place.” You see, when these words cross my lips, they do not come anymore as a man beseeching his God for favor … but yet come as a proclamation of what is … and will always be. This is one of those things I “know” (4) but cannot prove. 🙂
Before I leave this evening, here’s a link to our friend Doskolos saying “Our Prayer,” which is the Lord’s Prayer as interpreted above … with the following words added:
Absolute Infinite Beingness – God; Everlasting Life, Love and Mercy. Manifesting Yourself in Yourself as the Total Wisdom and the Almightiness in Your Omnipresence. Enlighten our minds to understand You as The Truth. Clean our hearts to reflect Love towards You, and toward all other human beings. Amen.
Peace ~
