April 3, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 45:1-20, 24-28; Mark 13:1-23

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

When Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, this is the prayer He gave them. When children learn this by memory, there are some words that are difficult to understand, like “hallowed” and “trespasses.” There are some places where the old, traditional translation is a bit confusing, like “who art in heaven.” When this is learned by a young child, they are often quick to want to learn something else, something new.

But this prayer is one that no Christian ever learns completely, at least not here on earth. This profound prayer washes over us, each phrase like a profound wave of meaning. God is in heaven, and His name is holy. Ponder that for a minute or for a lifetime. God’s kingdom comes and His desires are completed, no matter if we ask for that to happen or not. He gives us what we need, and He forgives us and strengthens us to forgive others. That sounds simple, right? It isn’t. How often have you failed at trusting God to do good for you or faltered at forgiving someone else? Then, we ask God to lead us away from temptation and deliver us from evil. The more we pray those words, the more often we see temptation and evil around us. Finally, we recognize that God has an eternal kingdom and power and glory forever, and that doesn’t make sense to our time-conscious sensibilities. This prayer that Jesus gave His Church never gets old. You can never pray it and say, “I don’t need to pray like that again.” This prayer is always good for God’s children to pray until the day when His kingdom comes, and you see Him face to face.

When it comes to the Lord’s Prayer, don’t move on. Don’t look for something new. Pray this prayer again and again. Slow down. Don’t rush through it. Stop. Ponder. Reflect. Repeat. Wonder. After all, this is how your Lord wants you to pray.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!