Longing, fears, and liberation: three timeless themes that find expression in well-known petitions. These form the foundation for most of our Sunday services in July.
The month of July started with the divine service for the departed. The focus here was on Jesus’ example of compassion towards the dead. After His death on the cross, Jesus Himself descended into the realm of the dead in order to preach to the dead in “prison”.
The next three Sundays are devoted to the petitions contained in the Lord’s Prayer.
12 July: Longing for a better world
“Your kingdom come.” This plea invites us to look far into the future and, at the same time, right into the heart of the present. For the kingdom of God is not merely a hope for the future. It already began with Jesus Christ: wherever people follow Christ, proclaim the gospel, and share God’s love, His kingdom is already being manifested.
Anyone who prays for the coming of God’s kingdom is also asking for their own life to change. The aim is to centre our lives on love for God and love for our neighbour. The extent to which this is achieved is evident in everyday life, in our relationships with other people, and in our actions at work and in society.
19 July: Overcoming fears about the future
“Give us this day our daily bread.” This petition from the Lord’s Prayer seems simple. But it goes far beyond the mere question of food. It is about providing for our daily needs—for both material and spiritual needs.
This plea reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God. It invites us to take responsibility for our own lives, without allowing ourselves to be dominated by fears of the future.
One small word stands out: Jesus did not teach His disciples to pray: “Give me my daily bread,” but rather: “Give us our daily bread.” Those who express this plea also take on responsibility for others. God’s care is to become visible through people who share, help, and are there for one another.
26 July: Freedom through letting go
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” This petition links two things: God’s forgiveness and our willingness to forgive others.
Jesus illustrates this point clearly in the parable of the unforgiving servant. A man to whom a massive debt had been forgiven refuses to forgive a person who owes him a tiny fraction of that amount.
Forgiveness begins before God. Anyone who asks for this recognises their own guilt, repents of it, and wishes to turn back to Jesus Christ. This reflects a willingness to act with mercy oneself.
It is not always easy to forgive. Some injustices run deep and cannot simply be erased by a single decision. Often, it is a long journey. We can ask God to give us the strength to achieve this.
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