I believe it can be seen as both. Obviously the Church sees it as a prayer to be prayed regularly. But, also it can be used as an template for further meditative prayer. Some would argue that it was meant only as a framework for a prayer, but why attempt to alter the very beautiful words of Christ unless you are going to expand on them in greater meditation? When I want to hear great theatre I dont recreate King Lear or Hamlet , although some have tried and mostly failed. Instead I would rather watch the actors play the words of Shakespeare. Why recreate what THE Master gave us in the Our Father?
This is wonderful!!
Regarding the portion I high-lighted, I am hoping what I am about to share will illustrate the point.
A few years ago, I was in a very difficult spot spiritually. I was trying to go to daily Mass, and I was finding myself increasingly annoyed at the behavior of some of my fellow church go-ers. One of the things I had become aware of was the way the ‘Our Father’ always seemed to be rushed, rote, and without meaning. It bothered me and I started to make the conscious effort to slow down.
Well a few days later, as I was praying it at Mass, it hit me, like a punch in the gut,
“forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us…”
"WHOA!!! :bigyikes: What did I just ask God??!! To forgive me as I forgive others?!! Do I REALLY want him to do that??!! "
Needless to say, this revelation precipitated much meditative prayer, and my next appointment, with both my spiritual director and confessor, where both very interesting. :whacky:
