CULLP

 Just over 2,000 years ago Jesus taught His disciples to pray in the words that we came to call The Lord’s Prayer. It is a poignant and powerful prayer that has been spoken by millions of His disciples across the globe. It has also connected with the reality of people’s lives in varied settings. While the thoughts and themes have held firm the particular words have been updated and translated. We love this prayer but also know that there is a continual need for revision to stay contemporary. We are hoping this catches on and creates a helpful uniformity for all who pray this prayer. After years of trial runs, and hopefully being led by God’s Spirit, we are proposing the following words. Remember that it only takes a spark to get a fire going.

Our Father in Heaven,

your name is holy.

May your Kingdom come, and your will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Keep us away from temptation and deliver us from evil.

For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.

Amen!

• Using the plural helps us to pray inclusively for all people.

• Line 1 changes from “who art” to “in”.

• Line 2 changes “hallowed be your name” to “may your name be holy.”

• Line 6 opts for forgiveness of sins rather than debts or trespasses.

• Line 6 changes from “Lead us not into” to “Keep us away from temptation”.