A No Rote Note +

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Matthew 6:6 NKJV

The local Christian radio station has a daily feature titled, “Pray Down at High Noon.” Every day, a well-known singer or public figure will say 'The Lord’s Prayer' at the stroke of 12 noon. Here lately, I’ve managed to catch it a few days in a row, and I find there are those who pray it and then there are those who recite it by rote. There is a big difference. You know what I mean - the mechanical repetition of something so that it is remembered without real understanding of its meaning or significance, much like we sing Christmas carols. 

There have been several occasions over the last couple weeks when I have had someone tell me, 'I say the Lord’s prayer' - like it’s a good luck mantra rather than what it’s meant to be. One day, my oldest brother, Ron, sent me a great email, and I want to share it with you. You may have seen it before but, believe me, it’s worth another read… For clarification, the person praying is in italics, the Lord’s response is NOT in italics.

Our Father Who Art In Heaven.Yes?
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.But you called ME!
Called You? No, I didn't call You… I'm praying. Our Father who art in Heaven.There - you did it again!
Did what?Called Me. You said, Our Father who art in Heaven. Well, here I am. What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayer for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling my duty.Oh, all right. Go on then.
Okay… Hallowed be Thy Name. Hold it right there. What do you mean by that?
By what?By Hallowed be Thy Name…
It means, it means .. . Good grief, I don't know what it means! How in the world should I know? Don’t You know what it means? It's just a part of the prayer…okay… what does it mean?It means holy, honored, wonderful.
Well, that makes sense. Thanks. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before… Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?What are you doing about it?
Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if You got control of everything down here like You have up there. We're kinda in a mess down here, You know.Yes, I do know… Have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money - all on yourself without one thought for anyone else’s need. And what about the kind of books you read?
Now hold on just a minute! Why are You picking on me? I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!
Excuse ME…I’m sorry. I really thought you were praying for My will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example...
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that You mention it, I could probably name some others.
So could I.
Take it easy, will You? I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to - You know - be really free. Good. Now we're getting somewhere. I'm proud of You. We'll work together - you and ME.
Look, Lord, if you don't mind, this is taking a lot longer than it usually does. I need to finish up here. Give us this day, our daily bread.You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I am doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden You break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called ME - and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep praying. ( pause... ) Well, go on.
I'm scared to.Scared? Of what?
I know what You'll say.Try Me.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.What about Jane?
See? I knew it! I knew You would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories. I’m so tired of her nonsense! I've sworn to get even with her! But your prayer - What about your prayer?
I didn't actually mean that part…Well, at least you're honest. But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment, isn't it?
Yes, but boy, have I got some plans for her. She'll wish she had never been born. I'll feel so much better as soon as I get even with her. No, you won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. You know how unhappy you are? Well, I can change that.
You can? How?Forgive Jane. Then, I'll forgive you; And the hate and the sin, will be Jane’s problem - not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.
Oh, I know, You're right. You always are..and more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You . . (sigh).
All right, all right…I forgive her.There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?
Hmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty good! You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight. I haven't been getting much rest, you know.Yeah, I know… But, you're not through with your prayer, are you? Go on.
Okay. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?You know exactly what I mean by that.
Yeah. Yeah… okay, I know.Alright. Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.Do you know what would bring Me glory? What would really make Me happy?
No, but I'd like to know, Lord. I do want to please you. I've really made a mess of things. I want to truly behave like Christ. I can see now how great that would be. So, tell me… How do I make YOU happy?
You just did…

Prayer:

Father, 
         We don’t want to take You for granted. Help us to bow our hearts and our minds before You. Make us aware of when we are multi-tasking instead of being completely in the moment with You - for You alone are worthy of all honor and all glory. We want You to be happy with us. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen