I learn of a beautiful interpretation of The Lord’s Prayer on TikTok from a user (@stormyc_spirit) who I imagine differs greatly from me theologically. While this might seem New Age and not something you’re comfortable with, I still loved the wording. I wrote down his interpretation in my journal.
He prays to God: Carve out a space where Your presence can abide in us. Empower us to bear the fruit of Your mission. Endow us with the wisdom to produce and share what each being needs to grow and flourish. Untie any tangled thread that binds us, and release us from the entanglements of past mistakes. Illuminate the opportunities of the present moment.”
What struck me was this idea that I might have the wisdom to produce and share what another person needs in order to grow and flourish. All day long, I thought of asking God to help me do and say just the right thing to help another person grow. As I connected with a friend by phone, with my daughters and husband, and with a coworker, I kept asking for this beautiful prayer that I could help others grow and flourish by my words. I thought of the stunning statement in Isaiah 50: “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.” I want to speak words that sustain weary people.