A passion for the Lord’s prayer

by Letters Editor · March 31, 2011

From: Loz Hayden, Broederstroom, Gauteng

Michael Shackleton’s Open Door article, Clarifying doxology (February 16) responds to the question: Why do we say the doxology of the Lord’s Prayer during Holy Mass only, and not on a daily basis?

His reply expands on what is meant by the doxology: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever.

My understanding of the word doxology, is as it is defined in various dictionaries: Ascription of praise to the Deity; giving praise to God. By these definitions, surely the Lord’s Prayer, in its entirety, is defined as doxology?

The Lord’s Prayer has been a particular passion of mine over the last few years, especially the unfortunate general habit of reciting by rote, at speed, without giving proper thought or reverence to what precisely is being said.

The original reverential intent of the prayer seems to have disappeared from general use. I had a very interesting experience in this regard when I attended the very last Mighty Men conference in KwaZulu -Natal, with a number of Christian friends of other religious persuasions.

Just before breaking camp and going our separate ways, our group of about 20 had a closing discussion as to what, if anything, we got from the gathering. I stated to the group that I had not once, throughout the weekend, heard the Lord’s Prayer recited in praise, and requested that all join me in the prayer in closing.

As we were leaving, I asked one particularly committed Christian friend why he and many of the other so-called apostolic break-away Christian groups did not use the Lord’s Prayer in their group or personal prayers. His simple answer was both illuminating and supportive of my personal experience and belief: As with many formal prayers within the Catholic, Anglican and larger Protestant denominations, most are recited by rote, with apparently very little personal, reverential and heartfelt personal communion with our Father, maker and Lord God.

There are many fine Catholic publications on prayer available, but I feel that the simple action of slowing down the tempo within the Mass, short breaks at the end of each statement or paragraph to give emphasis and time for reflection on each intent, will eventually bring us all back to proper worship and understanding of our Catholic faith.