“The greatest of all prayers was designed with still another purpose in view, quite as important as either of the others. Jesus foresaw that, as centuries went by, his simple, primitive teaching would gradually become overlain by all sorts of external things which really have nothing whatever to do with it. He foresaw that men who had never known him, relying, quite sincerely, no doubt, upon their own limited intellects, would build up theologies and doctrinal systems, obscuring the direct simplicity of the spiritual message, and actually erecting a wall between God and man. He designed his Prayer in such a way that it would pass safely through those ages without being tampered with. He arranged it with consummate skill, so that it could not be twisted or distorted, or adapted to any man-made system; so that, in fact, it would carry the whole Christ Message within him and yet not have anything on the surface to attract the attention of the restless, managing type of person. So it has turned out that, through all the changes and chances of Christian history, this Prayer has come through to us uncorrupted and unspoiled.”
The Sermon on the Mount (The Lord’s Prayer), by Emmet Fox
I spent years of my life working in the Communication industry. My experience ranged from local newspapers, corporate communications companies, to advertising companies. I saw a wide spectrum of types of communication.
Almost by coincidence I fell into understanding how great of a communicator Christ was. There were several young women who used to come to me for advice. Whatever the issue I was often struck by how applicable the teachings of Christ were. I would often recount stories or parables to them as an explanation of how to see and deal with their problems. They of course thought I was brilliant. I was awe struck with Jesus.
These ideas are not new to me, I came to them through a lens of working in this field. Jesus is by far the best communicator the world has ever seen. But this shouldn’t surprise us, as John calls him at the beginning of his Gospel, the ‘Word.’ We think, create and process with language. This use of language and words is a profoundly human experience.
Jesus’ whole time on earth is a living breathing example that we can look to and follow. He in every way communicated God to humanity. Not only his teaching and preaching, but his very being. He didn’t use words, he was the Word.
As Fox suggests, man can muddle and confuse doctrine. Yet the message from Jesus is simple. Further on in his writing Fox explains how this prayer can be used not as a mantra to parrot over and over, but as a way to see one’s life. The prayer offers daily guidance on how we can live for and serve God. A reforming of our souls.
Matthew 6: 9-13
“This, then, is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”
Roberta Writes 