…today’s secret…The Lord’s Prayer
I recently asked a local church ex-deacon if his congregation prayed the Lord’s Prayer.
“Not really,” he said. “Our church likes prayers to be more one-on-one with God, more personable, more specific prayer requests.”
OK. I guess.
To him it seemed the Lord’s Prayer was just a dial-a-prayer we memorized as a child until we’re ready to freelance our prayer requests.
The ex-deacon has a point. Over time, things we memorize can become worn-out words that spring from the brain and bypass the heart.
How many times have we said “Good Morning” to someone while thinking something else? To how many people did we pop off a “Happy Thanksgiving” when we really meant…“Whatever?”
And, over the next few weeks, how many flippant “Merry Christmas” will pass our lips uninspired?
This happens in the workplace a lot. You’re helping people reach their next level and there are things you say in your job over and over, day after day, week after, month after, year after…
How trite do your words sound to a person who is maybe hearing you for the first time?
The Lord’s Prayer is 66 words according to King James. It’s much shorter than the superstars of meaningful brevity like the Gettysburg Address or Declaration of Independence.
The Lord’s Prayer itself is word powerful. It identifies who is in charge, who’s not, and in what order. It rehashes what’s coming and petitions the big dot things needed to get from here to there.
In addition, the Lord’s Prayer weaves it’s words into a musical rhythm with hard and soft drumbeats. It is during those soft drumbeats the prayeree is allowed time for the words to become heartfelt.
Give it a try. At each soft drumbeat let those words drop down to your heart before going up and out. I’ll start for you…
Our Father (soft drumbeat here)
Who art in Heaven (soft drumbeat here)
Hallowed be thy name (soft drumbeat here)
You finish it. Go a little slower. Feel the rhythm of the words.
If you want to connect more powerfully to the people you are helping, your words need to go thru your heart before going out to their universe. It’s in your heart where your concern, sentiment, tenderness, zest, feeling, etc. gets attached to your words.
Freelance prayers are all good. However, me thinks the local church should pray the Lord’s Prayer more, not only for its big-dot message, but for its song hook rhythm.
Me also thinks when you wish someone a “Merry Christmas” and a “Happy New Year” this holiday season there should follow a soft drumbeat for your heartfelt attachment.
