A Different "Heaven" Prayer

Many of us are familiar with praying the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father. It casts a vision for heaven and invites it down into our daily lives.

Today, pray this version of that prayer created by Brenna Rubio (inspired by Lisa Sharon Harper’s book The Very Good Gospel) - and you might even consider printing this out and making it a daily practice.

God, be our deepest love and highest loyalty, whatever else tries to claim our hearts. 

May your priorities be our priorities.

May we reject any crumbs tossed to us from the table of oppression.  May we look to you as our true source of provision.

In a world of exploitation, help us lean into rhythms of Sabbath and Jubilee, forgiveness and rest, experiencing and encouraging freedom and flourishing.  Make us agents of true peace.

Rescue us from the forces of empire.  Protect us.

For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory.  AMEN.

(The original comes from Matthew 6 and is often translated as follows.)

Our Father in heaven, holy is your name. 
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forget our debtors.
And lead us not into the time of trial, but protect us from the evil one.