Matthew 6:5-14 "Our Father in heaven, may your name always be kept holy. May your kingdom come and what you want be done, here on earth as it is in heaven. Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us. And do not cause us to be tempted, but save us from the Evil One." (v. 9-13; NCV)
The "Lord's Prayer" or the "Our Father" as it was referred to during my formative years and presented by Rev. Marlayna is an appropriate subject anytime, let alone Father's Day. I can identify with those whose earthly male parent wasn't as "present", as they/I might have preferred, ergo relating to a supreme being [God] is likely difficult at best! In time, I came to reconcile that my father did the best he could with the tools he was given, particularly after understanding the role-model he was shown. That said, t'was the grace of God that my awareness of my rearing, acceptance of the how and why that father-son relationship barely survived, which prompted me to be better with my opportunity with the next generation; though, the now six 30-somethings (+ their significant others) are seemingly discerning that currently.
I admit, that I do battle with the above phrase: "do not cause us to be tempted". For me, therein is an implication that my sage, initiator God: tempts me - I don't think so. Personal experience reveals or has orchestrated that my worst enemy lies within or getting out of my own way many times might prove to be a brilliant strategy. The NRSV of the Bible tames the idea a bit saying: "do not bring us to the time of trial", but still hints that the father [God] incites attractive or alluring wrong-doing; still difficult for this writer to swallow. The Message, which actually uses the words: 'remix' and 'contemporary' in its Biblical title states: "keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil", at this juncture of the prayer, speaking right to where I'm at. Oh God, grant me the wisdom to know the difference, between what's mine and what I'd best relinquish, because it's likely that
my perception isn't perfectly clear when it comes to someone I encounter, giving me an opportunity to speak and act like Jesus. May IT be so.....
Blessed be the tie that binds! Onward, your Deacons