Continuing our conversation regarding the Lord’s Prayer. I have included several versions from just a few of the multitude of Bible translations that are available to folks today. I did not include the New Revised Standard Version – 1989 as the lections are read from this version at St. David’s and most ECUSA congregations. I hope you enjoy reading these and catch the differences each version holds.
J. B. Philips Translation – 1958
Our Heavenly Father, may your name be honoured; May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day the bread we need, Forgive us what we owe to you, as we have also forgiven those who owe anything to us. Keep us clear of temptation, and save us from evil’.
New International Version – 1978
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
New King James Version – 1982
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. [a]For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Good News – 1976
Our Father in heaven: May your holy name be honored; may your Kingdom come;
may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need. Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One.
Living Bible (Paraphrase) – 1971
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
New Zealand Prayer Book – 1989
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth. With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and test, strengthen us. From trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen.
The Message – 2002
Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best—
as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.
A Retranslation from the Aramaic
O Breathing Life, your Name shines everywhere! Release a space to plant your Presence here. Imagine your possibilities now. Embody your desire in every light and form. Grow through us this moment’s bread and wisdom. Untie the knots of failure binding us, as we release the strands we hold of others’ faults. Help us not forget our Source, yet free us from not being in the Present. From you arises every Vision, Power and Song from gathering to gathering. May our future actions grow from here! Amen.
Next week, I’ll discuss how the contemporary form of the Lord’s Prayer included in the Book of Common Prayer came to be approved for worship in English speaking churches.
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Father Dave+