Luke 11: 1-4
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
The Coming of the Kingdom
“Your kingdom come,” Jesus implores. This was the prayer in his heart of hearts.
For what kind of kingdom is Jesus longing? What kind of king is his Father? We only have to look back one chapter in Luke’s Gospel to find vivid depictions of God’s reign:
Loving God and loving our neighbors, inextricably linked;
God working in merciful, compassionate people, including those who are marginalized;
Prioritizing humanity over rules;
Balancing contemplation and action;
Giving ALL people, not just those with power, the freedom to slow down and be present with a God who loves them.
The reign of God turns the values of the empire upside down.
How might I participate in the coming of God’s kingdom today?
—Katie Davis-Crowder is an Ignatian spiritual director and high school theology teacher. A proud former Jesuit Volunteer, she holds a Master of Divinity from Loyola University Chicago and serves on the board of directors at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Illinois.
Prayer
I invite you to pray the Lord’s Prayer slowly, pausing after each line for a slow deep breath and a moment of reflection. Consider each word, each phrase, each sentence. What stands out to you most today?
Our Father
Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation.
For the kingdom,
The power,
And the glory are yours,
Now and forever.
—Katie Davis-Crowder
Pray with the Pope
Pray with the monthly prayer intentions of the pope.