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Why Jesus Gave the Lord’s Prayer
Listen closely to the prayers offered from the pulpit and thoughtfully contemplate what is being said. On occasion, record one of your own prayers and listen to it. What is being articulated in each prayer is important. Consider which parts of prayer are standardized and repetitive, and which parts are spontaneous. Both components are necessary for effective prayer.
Repeating the Shema
Christ Jesus is the Jewish Messiah with a larger world mission to illustrate that there is one God over all creation. He implemented this mission by building upon the spiritual meaning of established Jewish laws and traditions.
I have been in a variety of Christian churches since the age of five. Even during my hedonistic, college years, I typically attended holiday services. My point is that I have attended more than 50 different kinds of services. Never once has a Christian church mentioned what is arguably the top prayer of every Jewish sect, the Shema.
The Shema is based on Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 11:13–21. The English translation of the Shema should sound familiar to all Christians. The following is one translation in the public domain.
Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.
Blessed is His name, whose glorious kingdom is forever and ever. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your might. These words that I command you today shall be upon your heart. Repeat them to your children, and talk about them when you sit in your home, and when you walk in the street; when you lie down, and when you rise up. Hold fast to them as a sign upon your hand, and let them be as reminders before your eyes. Write them on the doorposts of your home and at your gates.
The Shema is repeated upon waking and before going to sleep, and is best when prayed unceasingly. This commandment is known to every Jew. When the Pharisees attempted to trick Jesus with theological questions, they asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” He responded with the Shema. (Matthew 22:34–38 and Mark 12:28–30)
Imbuing a repetitive prayer with one’s own concentration, emotion, and spiritual power is required to redesign thought patterns. Creation operates by God’s laws. Affirmation and repetition are tools that…
