Grandpa's Prayer

I was recently challenged to pray the Lord’s Prayer on a regular basis as part of a sacred rhythm to life. It immediately brought a precious memory to my mind.

As an 8 year old I sat at the large dining table with my family and grandparents. It was Sunday dinner and it was always SO good! Everyone had settled into their seats and I got to sit next to grandma – a special treat. But before we could dig into the mashed potatoes, gravy and roast beef, grandpa would pray. It was always the same. We would bow our heads and grandpa would begin the Lord’s Prayer. I can still hear him slowly reciting the words:

“Our Father…..who art in heaven….hallowed be Thy Name ….(pause)……

Thy Kingdom come….Thy will be done…..on earth as it is in heaven…..(pause)

Give us this day….our daily…bread….(long pause)…

And forgive us our debts…..as we….forgive our debtors….….(longer pause, and I peek to see if he’s OK)

And lead us not into temptation….(I’m peeking again)….

And deliver us from evil…(now I’m looking at the yummy food and wondering if he’s ever going to finish)

For Thine is the Kingdom….and the power….and the glory forever….amen.” (whew! He made it, we can eat!)

What a wonderful memory! Yes, the food and fellowship were good, but it’s the prayer that made the biggest impression on me. My grandpa always seemed very old and wise to me.  I was too young to understand the legacy he was leaving; too immature to understand the significance of this prayer.

Jesus gave this prayer to his followers as a model for how they should pray (Mat 6 and Luke 11). Not that it’s the only words to pray, but obviously, if Jesus himself provided this prayer as a model it’s a pretty important prayer. Especially when prayed sincerely, like grandpa did.

And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Luke 11:9

til next time...

the greatest of these is love