Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Today’s text

Luke 11:1-4

“[Jesus] was praying in a certain place and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.”

Prayer

Words so simple, they take but a moment to say. And you are eager for us to pray them, blessed Friend. But why?

What can it mean for us to hallow your name, you who are Love Illimitable unbound by time and space? Of what is mortal flesh capable that will make or keep your name holy when you are so far beyond human reach and imagination that every word we speak of you is false, a lie? Astounded silence would seem the only posture capable of honoring you.

Yet, you invite us to speak, blessed Jesus, addressing the Unimaginable, asking that the divine will be done, that you will provide our needs and forgive us the violations of our humanity and that of others, to say nothing of our blatant disregard of that glory you share with the Father.

Who are we that we should do this? It does not matter. What matters is that it is you who invites us to do so, welcoming us into that relationship in which we may find, finally, our truest humanity, hidden where it has always been: in the mystery of the love of God. Our life, free and full, is unlocked only by knowing that love inexpressible you pour out from the Father’s heart.

So you invite us to pray, to speak simply our need and hope, knowing all that we are is received by a warmth and welcome who, for eternity, has longed for our presence.

Beyond the words of the simple prayer you teach, blessed Jesus, may I hear the invitation into the eternally unfolding mystery of your love. For this is greatest mystery of all, not that you are love, but that I, with stumbling words and uncomprehending heart, may enter what cannot be spoken. Amen.

Pr. David L. Miller