This morning’s meditation was a rich one. Here’s to sharing a sliver, something I don’t think I’ve noticed before, even though I’m getting on in years. Maybe it’s new to you, too. Anyway …

Working my way slowly through the Lord’s prayer, I began to wonder “Was more than meant for recitation, even more than for heartfelt, yearning prayer?” Could it be that when Jesus answered the disciples request “Teach us to pray” He gather them an answer that was for body and soul?! Was it what He modeled as He lived in their midst? Here’s what I found at first glance.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name.

No question. Jesus lived out a profound respect for the holiness of Adonai and an intimate relationship with Yahweh.

May your kingdom come, and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Jesus asked for it. And then He did it – as God told him and showed Him to. Remembering what Jesus said in John’s gospel: I say only what the Father tells me to say, and, my Father is always working and so I work also.

Give us today our daily bread.

I recall Satan tempting Jesus telling Him to prove He was the Son of Man by turning stones into bread. Jesus responded ‘man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ And then my thoughts traveled on to ask the question, wasn’t Jesus delivering our daily bread when He taught us the parables and the Beatitudes?

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

Well, ok, not the first part because He was sinless. But He forgave the paralyzed man lowered through the ceiling, the woman caught in adultery …

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

Jesus was constantly leading us away from temptation by showing us the Truth in wisdom and in solid touch-with-your-hands reality. And how many did He free from demons and sickness.

And our tradition adds “for yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.” And so it is, the heart and soul and reason for all that Jesus did, the how and the why. Where his deep, deep love came from.

Where does that leave me today? What I ask for in this prayer I can expect to happen, I can expect to get. And there is a lot of “us” in there, so what I get is not meant for me alone. Seek His face, yes. In the closet and in the marketplace. Be a part of the Kingdom our Father is delivering one person, one experience at a time.