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Pastor’s Pen for September by Pastor Mark Selbo

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The Pastor’s Pen

In the July issue of “The Lutheran” magazine, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton writes about the value and importance of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Originally intended by Luther to be used in families as a tool for passing on the Christian faith from one generation to the next, the Small Catechism gives a concise but rich explanation of the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Some of you probably remember having to memorize parts of the Catechism during your confirmation years.  Memorizing the Catechism is a discipline that would be valuable for all of us, both children and adults, to continue to engage in!  In case you weren’t aware, the Small Catechism can be found in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship books (the red hymnals) that are in the chair pockets in the church sanctuary.  It begins on page 1160, near the back of the book.

Following Bishop Eaton’s suggestion that we dust off our Small Catechisms and take another look at the basics of the faith, this fall I will be preaching a sermon series on the third part of the Catechism, which is an explanation of the Lord’s Prayer.  Beginning on Sunday, September 28, and concluding on Christ the King Sunday, November 23, we will spend some time each week reflecting on a different phrase, or petition, of what has been called “the perfect prayer.”

Along with the sermon series, in the Adult Forum we will be viewing and discussing a video presentation on the Lord’s Prayer by Dr. James Nestingen.  The video series begins on September 21.  (The Adult Forum meets upstairs in Nelson Hall from 9:45 to 10:30 each Sunday morning.)

So why do we pray the Lord’s Prayer?  Why is this prayer, more than any other, such a regular part of our life together?  Why do we include it in almost all of our worship services, and also in meetings, Bible studies, and other church gatherings?  What is it about the Lord’s Prayer that makes it so central in the life of God’s people?

One answer, of course, is that this is the prayer that was given us by Jesus.  It was in response to the disciples’ request, “Lord, teach us to pray,” that Jesus taught them what we call the Lord’s Prayer (see Luke 11:2-4 and Matthew 6:9-13).  By praying this prayer, we are coming before our heavenly Father with the words that Jesus has instructed us to use. Also, because the Lord’s Prayer was given to us by Jesus, it reflects what Jesus considers the essentials of the Christian life.  Praying the Lord’s Prayer leads us into a deeper relationship with God and a deeper relationship with our neighbors.

The Lord’s Prayer is a priceless gift.  It’s what one writer has called the living heart of the Christian way.  As we spend some time this fall exploring the Lord’s Prayer, may God help us to gain a deeper understanding of what the prayer means.  But even more, may God help us to receive what the prayer is asking for.  May God help us to grow in our faith and become more faithful followers of the One who taught us this prayer.

See you in worship!

Pastor Selbo


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