Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!mnetor!seismo!columbia!rutgers!topaz!christian
From: harry@uw-atm.UUCP
Newsgroups: mod.religion.christian
Subject: Re: Meditations/Questions on The Lord's Prayer
Message-ID: <6256@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU>
Date: Thu, 16-Oct-86 03:35:41 EDT
Article-I.D.: topaz.6256
Posted: Thu Oct 16 03:35:41 1986
Date-Received: Thu, 16-Oct-86 18:53:08 EDT
References: <6193@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU>
Sender: hedrick@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU
Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J.
Lines: 52
Approved: christian@topaz.UUCP
Summary: Explanation from Luther's Catechism

One of the best explanations of the Lord's Prayer is in Luther's
Small Catechism (I probably say this because I am Lutheran).
Here is Luther's explanation of the petitions in question:

      Hallowed be thy name.

What does this mean?  God's name is indeed holy in itself; but we
pray in this petition that it may be holy among us also.

How is this done?  When the Word of God is taught in its truth and
purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead a holy life
according to it.  This grant us, dear Father in heaven.  But he that
teaches and lives otherwise than God's Word teaches, profanes the
name of God among us.  From this preserve us, Heavenly Father.

      Thy kingdom come.

What does this mean?  The kingdom of God comes indeed without our
prayer; of itself; but we pray in this petition that it may come unto
us also.

How is this done?  When our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit,
so that by His grace we believe His Holy Word and lead a godly life,
here in time and hereafter in eternity.

      Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

What does this mean?  The good and gracious will of God is done
indeed without our prayer; but we pray in this petition that it may
be done among us also.

How is this done?  When God breaks and hinders every evil counsel and
will which would not let us hallow God's name nor let His kingdom
come, such as the will of the devil, the world, and our flesh;  but
strengthens and preserves us steadfast in His Word and faith unto our
end.  This is His gracious and good will.

      But deliver us from evil.

What does this mean?  We pray in this petition, as the sum of all,
that our Father in heaven would deliver us from every evil of body
and soul, property and honor, and finally, when our last hour has
come, grant us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this vale
of tears to Himself in heaven.

    Your brother in Christ Jesus,

---
     Harry Edmon                         UUCP:   uw-beaver!geops!uw-atm!harry
     (206) 543-0547                      BITNET: 24440@UWACDC
     Department of Atmospheric Sciences
     University of Washington