He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.’” (Luke 11:2)
When I hear the words “our Father,” I remember being ten years old, wearing a taffeta dress, lacy white socks, and shiny patent leather shoes, and holding a worn copy of “The Lord’s Prayer” in my small hands. It was my first time to accompany my mother singing for a wedding. I remember no pressure or nervousness—just excitement over doing something special for others with Mother! Years followed accompanying her at church and community events as she blessed people.
She did more than sing the prayer—she lived it right into eternity! That prayer had the greatest impact on me when she was dying. She had survived quintuple bypass surgery and experienced months of hospitalization with me blessed to be by her side, only to have renal failure and learn that dialysis could no longer be administered. I watched her take the news that life would soon be over and answer the palliative care doctor with quiet confidence, saying she had no worries because she had lived to be ready for that moment. Oh, she did far more than teach me the Lord’s Prayer; she taught me how to live it to be ready to die!
The Lord’s Prayer never loses its power to bless, convict, inspire, or guide. I am glad for that early opportunity to let it start guiding my life.
Pray and live the Lord’s Prayer through his power for his glory!
Sue Rickman, a retired public school principal and adjunct professor, is a wife, mother, and “Mimi” to two grands. She enjoys piano, reading, biking, and scrapbooking and serves on the General Board of The Wesleyan Church and World Hope International.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
