Ray Dobson

After the Long weekend we contine with parts 8 and — Part 8: “Give us this day our daily bread” When we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” this sounds simple. Almost too simple. Bread. Daily needs. Ordinary life. But there is a tidbit hidden here. The word translated “daily” is unusual— so […]

DRAWN, NOT DRAGGED — Part 7: “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” When we pray, “Thy will be done,” we are not asking God to take control away from us. We are asking to be aligned with Him. In the original phrasing, this line belongs together with what came before:

PART 2 — “This prayer is not for everyone” Given to Disciples Christ does not give this prayer to the crowds. He gives it to those who follow Him. That may sound uncomfortable, but is deeply important. This prayer is not a general spiritual reflection. This is the prayer of those who are being drawn

Part 6: “Thy Kingdom come” When we pray, “Thy Kingdom come,” we are not asking for something far away. We are asking for His Life to be lived—here, and now. In the original language, this is not a gentle suggestion. It is more like a cry: “Let…Make your to be Kingdom present! But what is

Part 4: “Who art in heaven” After we say, “Our Father,” we continue: “Who art in heaven.” But we must be careful here. This does not mean God is “up there” somewhere—distant, far removed, looking down. In the original language, “heavens” is plural. It points not to location,but to authority. God is not one being

Part 5: “Hallowed be Thy Name” When we pray, “Hallowed be Thy Name,” we are not telling God something He does not already know. God is holy. Always. So what are we asking? We are asking that His holiness be made visible—in us. Not that God would become more holy, but that our lives would