"The Lord's Prayer" Series 2024

 

“The Lord’s Prayer” Series Summary
Christians of nearly every stripe know some version of the prayer Jesus taught, but it may be so familiar we overlook its hopeful notes and revolutionary tone.  John Dominic Crossan calls it “a prayer from the heart of Judaism on the lips of Christianity for the conscience of the world” (The Greatest Prayer, 2).  Join us in Lent for a fresh look at the Lord’s Prayer and what it means for us today.

Feb. 14 | Ash Wednesday
TEACH US TO PRAY: We want a deeper connection with God.  In Luke 11:1-4, the disciples ask Jesus to help them pray.  When has the Lord’s Prayer helped you?

Feb. 18 | Lent 1
OUR FATHER: There are many ways to address God.  Jesus offers the image of a loving parent as a unifying name for God.  In Acts 17:22-29, Paul's suggests that God is not unknown but intimately known to us.  When did you memorize the Lord’s Prayer?

Feb. 25 | Lent 2
HALLOWED: Our names identify who we are. The psalmist often describes God’s name as holy, but what does that mean? In Exodus 3:1-7, 10, 13-15, Moses wants to know God’s name so the Israelites will know who sent him to them. What does your name mean?

Mar. 3 | Lent 3
THY KINGDOM, THY WILL: Sometimes we think God’s kingdom is somewhere far away, but Jesus says it is near to us, more like a way of life. In Mark 14:32-36, Jesus prays for God’s will to prevail over his will. What does doing God’s will look like?

Mar. 10 | Lent 4
DAILY BREAD: Asking for what we need can be overwhelming. In Matthew 6:31-34, Jesus teaches us to ask for our daily bread.  It's a reminder to ask God for what we need for today and let tomorrow take care of itself. When have you had to take one day at a time?

Mar. 17 | Lent 5
FORGIVE: We may prefer to pay our own way, but we owe a debt of gratitude to people who have encouraged and supported us.  In Matthew 18:23-35, Jesus teaches about a king who rescinded a massive debt he forgave when the debtor tried to collect much smaller sum from someone else. When were you forgiven something you owed?

Mar. 24 | Palm Sunday
HOSANNA, SAVE US: When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowd shouted “Hosanna,” which means save us.  They wanted a warrior-king to challenge the Roman occupation, but Jesus did not use violence, even when it was used against him.  In Luke 22:39-41, 45-52, Jesus urges his followers to pray so they will not succumb to temptation.  How are you tempted?

Mar. 28 | Maundy Thursday
DELIVER US FROM EVIL: No one is exempt from the effect of evil.  In Matthew 26:20-30, Jesus foresees during the Last Supper that Judas will betray him.  Jesus’ plea for God to deliver us from evil is an earnest belief that God will sustain us through all trials.  What nourishes you for the work of God?

Mar. 31 | Easter
THINE IS THE GLORY: The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer turns our hearts to God’s eternal goodness.  In 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Paul affirms the good news of Christ’s resurrection and acknowledges God’s grace in his life.  Would you rather take credit or give it?