Liturgy 035: Our Father

🕊️ A Prayer and a Blessing for Everyday Holiness

At that moment heaven was opened… and a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
— Matthew 3:16-17

While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
— Luke 15:20

While a sovereign monarch might technically be free to dispose of subjects as he or she sees fit, a loving parent would not even consider withholding potential saving aid from any child.  On the other hand, truly loving parents also respect the integrity of their children.
— Dr. Randy Maddox

This then is how you should pray…
Our Father…
— Jesus of Nazareth

🙏 A Prayer

I aspire to be
like my firstborn someday.

She is mindful
she is kind
she is well mannered
she is careful.

My youngest?
She is my spirit animal
a window
into my soul

She is stubborn
she is wild
she learns only
from the schools
of trial and pain

What do you mean I can’t touch this hot plate?

It is an everyday holiness
to affirm her determinative spirit
to catch her with wisdom
when she falls.

Haven, you are beautiful
Haven, that will harm you
Haven, keep going

Affection, correction,
and vision for a life well lived.

God

I thank you
for this everyday mystery
for this everyday metaphor

Affection, correction,
and vision for a life well lived.

🕊️ Blessing

May you feel the Father lift you up above his shoulders in loving embrace and fortuitous strength. May you endure with joy the lifelong work of loving your enemies, and blessing the ones who despise you. For such is the way our brother Jesus walked in communion with his Father.

In the Name of the One we were taught to address as Abba
Amen