The Lord's Prayer - Europe
Mrs Janella Kyriacou (Roman Catholic), Winchmore Hill, London
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
In my private prayers, with my faith-sharing group, with the classes I teach, at mass.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
It appeals because: it is the prayer that Jesus himself taught us. It encompasses a lot of our beliefs about God and our future eternal life. It is a prayer that praises God, as well as being a prayer of asking.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ I like this line because it reminds of Jesus’ teaching – ‘Love thy neighbour as thyself.’ I read it as, God forgives us therefore we should also be quick to forgive and have mercy on others.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
‘And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.’ There is much evil in the world at the moment and it takes on various forms. Many people of different status, are committing crimes, some getting away with them. Petty crimes, as well as crimes against innocent people, including children; crimes which lead to or are committed during war, are among the ways that we as humans have been tempted. This is a prayer that we all need so that we can live in a more peaceful and safer world.
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
In my private prayers, with my faith-sharing group, with the classes I teach, at mass.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
It appeals because: it is the prayer that Jesus himself taught us. It encompasses a lot of our beliefs about God and our future eternal life. It is a prayer that praises God, as well as being a prayer of asking.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ I like this line because it reminds of Jesus’ teaching – ‘Love thy neighbour as thyself.’ I read it as, God forgives us therefore we should also be quick to forgive and have mercy on others.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
‘And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.’ There is much evil in the world at the moment and it takes on various forms. Many people of different status, are committing crimes, some getting away with them. Petty crimes, as well as crimes against innocent people, including children; crimes which lead to or are committed during war, are among the ways that we as humans have been tempted. This is a prayer that we all need so that we can live in a more peaceful and safer world.
Mr Robert Powell (Church of England), Southgate, London
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
I pray the Lord’s prayer twice a day privately and when I attend church.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
I believe this prayer covers all of our spiritual needs to have a successful day and peaceful rest, in our lives and those who we touch.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
The thought that Gods will be done and not our individual wills is very strong, and that we should ask god to look after us as individuals we ask god to help us look after all of us collectively so that we may find our way. I also like the part about giving us our daily bread as it suggests we should be given what we need not what we want.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?Right now the world needs to be more like God’s kingdom and his will needs to be done not that of man, who often gets things wrong.
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
I pray the Lord’s prayer twice a day privately and when I attend church.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
I believe this prayer covers all of our spiritual needs to have a successful day and peaceful rest, in our lives and those who we touch.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
The thought that Gods will be done and not our individual wills is very strong, and that we should ask god to look after us as individuals we ask god to help us look after all of us collectively so that we may find our way. I also like the part about giving us our daily bread as it suggests we should be given what we need not what we want.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?Right now the world needs to be more like God’s kingdom and his will needs to be done not that of man, who often gets things wrong.
A Mum (Church of England) at St Monica's Catholic Primary School, Southgate, London, N13
When you pray the Lord's Prayer:
Mass/at night with the kids.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
Continuity with the past.
Are there any words, phrases or 'ideas' within the prayer that have particular significance to you? Forgiveness.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord's Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
Forgive those whose trespass against us.
When you pray the Lord's Prayer:
Mass/at night with the kids.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
Continuity with the past.
Are there any words, phrases or 'ideas' within the prayer that have particular significance to you? Forgiveness.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord's Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
Forgive those whose trespass against us.
Dr Chiara (Catholic), Milan, Italy
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
I pray the Lords’ prayer with my daughter before we go to bed. Its is our bedside prayer . I also pray it as part of our Sunday service.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
I like the fact that it is complete – it has everything in it. Because I know it by heart it is always with me and I can tease out parts of it and concentrate on one or two verse.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
‘Your kingdom come’ (in Italian that is). I think that’s my greatest hope – it’s the place I want to live.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
‘Forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. ‘
For me that’s the first step… it was only when I was able to accept forgiveness that I was able to feel loved and let Jesus be at the centre of my life. That gives me the strength to give that to other people.
Do you pray the prayer in another language?
Padre Nostro
Che sei nei Cieli,
Sia santificato il Tuo nome
Venga il Tuo regno,
Sia fatta la tua volonta’
Cosi’ in cielo come in terra
Dacci oggi il nostro pane quotidiano
E rimetti a noi i nostri debiti
Come noi li rimettiamo ai nostri debitori
E non ci indurre in tentazione
Ma liberaci dal male,
AMEN
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
I pray the Lords’ prayer with my daughter before we go to bed. Its is our bedside prayer . I also pray it as part of our Sunday service.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
I like the fact that it is complete – it has everything in it. Because I know it by heart it is always with me and I can tease out parts of it and concentrate on one or two verse.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
‘Your kingdom come’ (in Italian that is). I think that’s my greatest hope – it’s the place I want to live.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
‘Forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. ‘
For me that’s the first step… it was only when I was able to accept forgiveness that I was able to feel loved and let Jesus be at the centre of my life. That gives me the strength to give that to other people.
Do you pray the prayer in another language?
Padre Nostro
Che sei nei Cieli,
Sia santificato il Tuo nome
Venga il Tuo regno,
Sia fatta la tua volonta’
Cosi’ in cielo come in terra
Dacci oggi il nostro pane quotidiano
E rimetti a noi i nostri debiti
Come noi li rimettiamo ai nostri debitori
E non ci indurre in tentazione
Ma liberaci dal male,
AMEN
Eamonn (Christian), Ballyastle, Ireland
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
In the morning prayer, with the Christian community I live with.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
I suppose that we gather to say it together. It's 'our' prayer.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
No, nothing in particular.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
I like being an active Christian in the world – doing rather than talking about doing. I do lots of things with young people so I prefer to live the Lord’s prayer rather than pray it!
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
In the morning prayer, with the Christian community I live with.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
I suppose that we gather to say it together. It's 'our' prayer.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
No, nothing in particular.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
I like being an active Christian in the world – doing rather than talking about doing. I do lots of things with young people so I prefer to live the Lord’s prayer rather than pray it!
Master Sam (11 years old, Episcopal Church), Portobello, Edinburgh
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
Mainly in Church services but sometimes we pray it if we just want to pray together as a family.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
Its kind of just a prayer that’s about humans but it’s a prayer from God to pray to God.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
I quite like the part where it says your Kingdom come because then it is not only giving us a prayer to God but its also kind of looking toward the future and that it will come.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
Forgiveness of sins definitely. For example every day things and the subconscious sinning that we do…like when we see that we could do something ‘good’ but don’t.
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
Mainly in Church services but sometimes we pray it if we just want to pray together as a family.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
Its kind of just a prayer that’s about humans but it’s a prayer from God to pray to God.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
I quite like the part where it says your Kingdom come because then it is not only giving us a prayer to God but its also kind of looking toward the future and that it will come.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
Forgiveness of sins definitely. For example every day things and the subconscious sinning that we do…like when we see that we could do something ‘good’ but don’t.
Ms Sophie (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh, Scotland
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
In chapel prayer and in times of uncertainty and danger.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
That it is ‘set’ so I don’t need to think about saying it…it leads you into praying.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
Nothing more than any other part.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
I think the world needs everyone to have their daily bread…that would cool.
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
In chapel prayer and in times of uncertainty and danger.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
That it is ‘set’ so I don’t need to think about saying it…it leads you into praying.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
Nothing more than any other part.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
I think the world needs everyone to have their daily bread…that would cool.
Ms Susan (Episcopal), Dunblaine, Scotland
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
Everyday. In the chapel.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
Well…… we are all saying the same thing meaning that someone wonderful can happen can happen on earth and also showing appreciation for our creator.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
It's got to be….your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
I like that bit because it’s very hopeful and positive. It brings something very tangible and real from theology…its very earth bound.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
I think if everybody realized that they have power and they have choice and that that power and choice comes from God then they would be able to take the future in a healthy direction.
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
Everyday. In the chapel.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
Well…… we are all saying the same thing meaning that someone wonderful can happen can happen on earth and also showing appreciation for our creator.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
It's got to be….your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
I like that bit because it’s very hopeful and positive. It brings something very tangible and real from theology…its very earth bound.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
I think if everybody realized that they have power and they have choice and that that power and choice comes from God then they would be able to take the future in a healthy direction.
Benoît Sébastien (Catholic), Paris, France
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
In Church.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
The prayer isn't a group of words that are said without thought. Jesus said this is HOW we should pray, not WHAT we should pray. I like that this prayer teaches me how to pray to God, rather than the exact words I should say without thinking about their meaning.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
The word 'our', which is repeated a lot. It reminds me that all Christians are together in praying the Lord's Prayer. It is 'our' prayer collectively and we ask for things for 'us' collectively.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
"Give us this day our daily bread" - God will provide, no matter what.
Do you pray the prayer in another language?
Notre Père qui es aux cieux,
que ton nom soit sanctifié,
que ton règne vienne,
que ta volonté soit faite sur la terre come au ciel.
Donne-nous aujourd’hui notre pain de ce jour.
Pardonne-nous nos offenses,
comme nous pardonnons aussi à ceux qui nous ont offensés.
Et ne nous soumets pas à la tentation,
mais délivre-nous du Mal.
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer:
In Church.
What appeals to you about this prayer? What do you like about it?
The prayer isn't a group of words that are said without thought. Jesus said this is HOW we should pray, not WHAT we should pray. I like that this prayer teaches me how to pray to God, rather than the exact words I should say without thinking about their meaning.
Are there any words, phrases or ‘ideas’ within the prayer that have particular significance to you?
The word 'our', which is repeated a lot. It reminds me that all Christians are together in praying the Lord's Prayer. It is 'our' prayer collectively and we ask for things for 'us' collectively.
The prayer asks God for things that we need, for example that the kingdom might come and that we might be forgiven. Of the things the Lord’s Prayer asks for which one do you think the world needs most at this time?
"Give us this day our daily bread" - God will provide, no matter what.
Do you pray the prayer in another language?
Notre Père qui es aux cieux,
que ton nom soit sanctifié,
que ton règne vienne,
que ta volonté soit faite sur la terre come au ciel.
Donne-nous aujourd’hui notre pain de ce jour.
Pardonne-nous nos offenses,
comme nous pardonnons aussi à ceux qui nous ont offensés.
Et ne nous soumets pas à la tentation,
mais délivre-nous du Mal.
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