July 23
Beloved families of Good Shepherd,
Peace be with you! In this Sunday’s Gospel reading from Luke, one of Jesus’ disciples asks Jesus to teach him how to pray. Jesus teaches him the words we know as the “Lord’s Prayer”, which is the same prayer we pray before receiving Holy Communion every Sunday.
During children’s chapel this Sunday, our oldest children will hear “The Lord’s Prayer” Godly Play story. We’ll separate this prayer line by line and wonder about the meaning of Jesus’ words together. We’ll then hear the version of the Lord’s Prayer from the New Zealand Book of Common Prayer. This particular version of the Lord’s Prayer often resonates with children because of its simple and joyful language. Here it is:
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life giver, Source of all that is and shall be, Father and Mother of us all, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echoes through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your beloved community of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is Love, now and forever.
Amen.
As our children learn and practice the Lord’s Prayer, we hope they will absorb the meaning of this prayer into their hearts, always depending on “the power that is Love” throughout their lives.
We hope to see you this Sunday!
Many Blessings,
Patty
P.S. As you are shopping for school supplies in the next few weeks, we invite you to purchase a few extra school supplies for the children at Booker T. Washington and Ashland Elementary Schools (Good Shepherd’s partner schools). Donations may be dropped off during church office hours M-F, or on Sundays on or before August 17. Thank you so much!