The Prayer Spelled Out
an extended paraphrase
Almighty and merciful heavenly Father, by invitation of your Son, we plead with you…
To cause your holy name to be held high; held in honour, revered and feared with a holy fear.
To cause your kingdom to come, all of us in a right relationship with yourself and the whole created order living and working together to the praise of your glory.
To cause your will to be done throughout the earth in the manner in which it is done in heaven – willingly, joyfully and completely – each one of us living, day by day, to please you in all that we say and do.
To give us today all that we need to live in this world in a way that brings honour to your name.
By your Holy Spirit, to stir and enable us to be as amazingly forgiving of others as you have been of us. Cause a ready forgiveness of others to be the hallmark of your people and of each one of us individually.
We are weak and easily lead astray by others as well as by our own passions and desires. Stir us to watch and pray and to walk humbly with you, and spare us from being overwhelmed by situations we cannot handle.
Keep us from evil thinking, speaking and deeds, and from the evil one and those under him. Deliver us from those who hate you; who would remove you and your Son from the throne and put something or someone else on your throne, and who would suppress your truth or oppress your people.
For yours alone is the kingdom; all power and authority are rightfully yours, and all glory belongs to you alone.
Lord God, heavenly Father, please hear these our prayers for the honour and glory of your name.
Amen