Isn’t it strange how something that is ever so familiar can suddenly take on a whole new depth of meaning when we look at it with a different purpose in mind? This happened to me recently. The ever so familiar thing was The Lord’s Prayer, and the new understanding of it came as I was preparing to lead an on-line workshop on ‘Preaching on Healing in the Time of Covid’ (for the College of Preachers, on behalf of the Guild).
I was basing the session on my working definition of Christian healing: A process of recovery towards wholeness of body, mind and soul, and reconciliation of our will with God’s will for us; including healing into a good death. After looking at a range of reported experiences of the first pandemic lockdown, I also included consideration of social and environmental healing.
As I pondered my choice of biblical passages for workshop participants to discuss, I realised that the Lord’s Prayer was undeniably a prayer for healing that aligned with the definition I was providing. The appeal for God’s kingdom to come and God’s will to be done, on earth as in heaven, is an appeal for alignment of the will of humanity with God’s will for us – that will that is so wonderfully expressed in Jesus’ summary of the commandments: that we should love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; and love neighbours as we love ourselves. This aligning our will with God’s will for us is fundamental to wellbeing.
Our appeal for God to give us our daily bread, is an appeal for essentials such as food, shelter and heating that underpin our physical wellbeing; and it is an appeal not only for our own needs to be met, but for all our neighbours who are struggling with poverty: those who are homeless, or unable to afford heating and dependent on foodbanks.
‘Forgive us … as we forgive …’ focuses our attention on vital aspects of our mental health. Shedding the oppression of guilt and blame can lead to serenity and peace of mind; but it is important not to neglect the conditionality of this appeal, which makes it challenging. God forgives those who truly repent – who not only recognise and regret past wrongs, but make determined efforts correct them. So, we appreciate the healing benefits of restorative justice and reconciliation without advocating unconditional forgiveness of serious crimes or dreadful abuse. Justice is crucial to social health and wellbeing.
‘Lead us not into temptation’ (or, a time of trial, which is my preferred translation) can be viewed as an appeal for help to make wise decisions; and is especially relevant at this time of challenges posed by Covid-19. Let us not be led astray into prioritising our personal desire for freedom over the restrictions that are needed for the common good. Also, as we reflect on the mental and spiritual benefits many have experienced from spending time in nature, let us not be tempted to exploit our plant’s resources, but recommit ourselves to caring for the health of our planet, and acting accordingly.
With such thoughts in mind, I invite you all to consider our Lord’s Prayer as a plea for holistic healing for humanity and our planetary home.
Amen