Lords Prayer for Justice
The writer uses catch phrases to attract the reader to his perspectives on the Lord’s Prayer. He tries to match the human needs and weaknesses to those words lifted from the prayer. He gives the prayer a more realistic dimension as he captures day-to-day interactions and desires in the human world while paying attention to human weaknesses.
Our father: the author indicates that God always stands with the weak and vulnerable in society. Who is therefore left to stand with and support the plight of the strong and prosperous in society? He should have instead rephrased it in such a way as to be more inclusive as to capture an including the prosperous and rich who acknowledge His power. Through this submission, the writer implies that the rich could believe that they are ‘gods’ in their own light and therefore do not subscribe to GOD. Additionally he captures aspects that affect the vulnerable in society which rarely ever affect the affluent in society, qualifying the prayer as a ‘poor man’s prayer.
This day: the writer agrees with the prayers appreciation that the man’s life is limited to current and that he has no control over the neither the future nor the past. He asserts further that God should provide for the current human needs, as the future is unknown and uncertain to man. These uncertainties are a reserve for God. At no point does the prayer mention “I.” The prayer is pragmatic and orderly, in an almost hierarchical way, in its approach. It begins with gratitude to God and appreciation of His power, Holiness and might, then asks for God to provide for human needs, human self-repentance and that of aggressors, protection from temptation and ends. The prayer highlights the importance of society to the physical and spiritual existence of man. It is through these social interactions that sins and other transgressions happen. Therefore for the reductions of events of strife and transgression individuals have to ensure that they are in harmony with their immediate environment and neighbors.
And do not put us to test: the writer underscores the evil and selfish nature of man and that no one can stand the test of purity. Despite indulging actions that find favor before God from time to time, human beings succumb to temptation all the time. It is therefore imperative that God takes importance in societal, communal and or mass goodness as this is sustainable compared to individualism. Society shapes the character and predisposition of individuals in contravening provisions of the Lord’s Prayer.