I'm teaching my kids the Lord's Prayer. It leads to some fun conversations. We're purposely taking our time discussing the different aspects of this prayer. How it begins is interesting.
I want them to really own this prayer. Too many of us only know this as the prayer we say during a service. Depending on your tradition, you say it during communion, after the pastor prays or some other set period of time. But Jesus wasn't giving us something we could all say in unison.
So we read the prayer. Then I asked them to imagine to use their imaginations, much like I want you to do now.
Imagine I invited you to my home. Upon entering, you saw that I had a giant picture of myself placed prominently in the living room. As you might guess, it's a glamour shot. Once you came in, I also told you there was one house rule. It was simple. I rule. Oh, and you should tell me I rule. (In case you're wondering, I am using the 80's version of the word rule.)
What would you think of me? While some of you would not be surprised at this scenario, my kids correctly labeled me arrogant. Then I asked them why this was okay for God. Why is it okay for God to teach us to pray and begin with telling God how awesome He is?
In a moment that made me realize I am not, in fact, speaking to a wall when I speak to my kids, my son answered, "Because God actually IS awesome!" (My son's snarkiness at the idea of a life-size poster of me gracing our living room was duly noted.)
Truth. Word. Yes. Yes. Yessssss!
For God to tell us that He is worthy of our adoration is simply true. For God to tell us anything else would be wrong. It is not humility for God to deflect our praise. He is God. He is awesome! Therefore, He is worthy. His name is to be hallowed.
This is why we begin our prayers with telling Him so.
Our Father in Heaven
Hallowed be Your Name
I want them to really own this prayer. Too many of us only know this as the prayer we say during a service. Depending on your tradition, you say it during communion, after the pastor prays or some other set period of time. But Jesus wasn't giving us something we could all say in unison.
So we read the prayer. Then I asked them to imagine to use their imaginations, much like I want you to do now.
Imagine I invited you to my home. Upon entering, you saw that I had a giant picture of myself placed prominently in the living room. As you might guess, it's a glamour shot. Once you came in, I also told you there was one house rule. It was simple. I rule. Oh, and you should tell me I rule. (In case you're wondering, I am using the 80's version of the word rule.)
What would you think of me? While some of you would not be surprised at this scenario, my kids correctly labeled me arrogant. Then I asked them why this was okay for God. Why is it okay for God to teach us to pray and begin with telling God how awesome He is?
In a moment that made me realize I am not, in fact, speaking to a wall when I speak to my kids, my son answered, "Because God actually IS awesome!" (My son's snarkiness at the idea of a life-size poster of me gracing our living room was duly noted.)
Truth. Word. Yes. Yes. Yessssss!
For God to tell us that He is worthy of our adoration is simply true. For God to tell us anything else would be wrong. It is not humility for God to deflect our praise. He is God. He is awesome! Therefore, He is worthy. His name is to be hallowed.
This is why we begin our prayers with telling Him so.
Comments