# Meditation on the Our Father
*2015-08-06*

> Bill Young reflects on the Transfiguration and leads a meditation on the Our Father, explaining each petition and praying the prayer together.

## Opening and Context

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today is Thursday, August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Before we begin our meditation, I’ll read the Catholic introduction to the Our Father, which reminds us that the prayer’s petitions concern the glory of the Father, the sanctification of His name, the coming of His kingdom, and the accomplishment of His divine will.

## What the Our Father Means

When we say “Hallowed be Thy name,” we enter into God’s design for humanity, sanctifying the name revealed to Moses and fulfilled in Jesus. “Thy kingdom come” is both a hope for Christ’s return and a plea for the growth of God’s kingdom in our daily lives. “Thy will be done” asks that our will be united with the Son’s so that God’s plan of salvation may be realized.

“Give us this day our daily bread” expresses our dependence on God for both physical nourishment and the spiritual bread of life, the Word and the Body of Christ, which sustains us for the banquet of the kingdom. “Forgive us our trespasses” implores God’s mercy, and reminds us that we must also forgive those who have wronged us. “Lead us not into temptation” asks for the grace to avoid sin, and “Deliver us from evil” acknowledges Christ’s victory over the prince of this world and asks for protection from all evil.

## The Meditation

Father, you are the source of everything; you love us more than any earthly father could. We respond to your love by honoring your name and glorifying you. May we, like the angels, obey you fully and keep our hearts open to one another.

Lord, let your kingdom be present in our lives now, as it is in heaven. May we recognize that without your kingdom we are weak, and may we pray that your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread, not only as food but as the spiritual nourishment that sustains our souls. Help us to receive it with gratitude and to understand that prayer is essential to this grace.

Forgive us our sins, Lord, and grant us the grace to forgive those who have trespassed against us. May we experience the same mercy you extend to us.

Lead us not into temptation; protect us from the trials that would draw us toward the devil. Deliver us from all evil, that we may walk in the victory already won by Christ.

All this we ask in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

## Closing Thoughts

May this meditation deepen your understanding of the Our Father and help you live its petitions each day.

*Living the Our Father means aligning our daily lives with God’s will, trusting Him for our needs, and extending His mercy to others.*