Lord Teach us to Pray
Prayer is a challenge for all of us, but in our current circumstances, we need more than ever to turn our focus to God, who is our strength, and our hope.
As our lives are turned upside down, and our hearts and minds churn with the consequences of COVID-19, perhaps a solid and reassuring starting place for our prayer is to begin with what we do know and can do.
Jesus’ response to the disciples’ cry, “Lord, teach us to pray” was to give them the words and model of the Lord’s Prayer.
So, take a moment. Take a calming breath. And pray what you know.
Pray the familiar words alone or together with others in your home. Pray it over the phone as you connect with wider family and friends. Recite it, read it out, write it down, and reflect on its meaning. It is meaningful, not meaningless. So say what you mean and mean what you pray!
Then try another step, expanding with specific concerns. For example, add your personal petitions after each phrase. Or try modelling your own words on Jesus’ pattern as we see Eugene Petersen has done here in The Message:
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.
The Lord’s Prayer “can be like a Christmas tree, on which we hang our own “decorations”, our own prayers.
Or it can be like a map: The directions are there, but we must take the trouble to travel, to pray them. (Peter Kreeft, Fundamentals of Faith. Ignatius Press 1988)
Blessings, Karen
CHRISTMAS EVE Wednesday 24th December 2025
Bethany/Tabor & Langmeil: 6pm Combined Service at Faith Lutheran College, Senior Campus. 130 Magnolia Rd, Tanunda SA 5352
Grace: 6pm Children's Service at St Paul’s Church, Cnr. Murray St & Basedow Rd, Tanunda
Lyndoch/Rowland Flat: 7pm Community Service, Lyndoch Institute, 31 Barossa Valley Way, Lyndoch
Free tickets need to be booked through Barossa Arts & Convention Centre online or by phone 8561 4299. This is a requirement of BACC.
Costumes will be available for children to dress up.
CHRISTMAS DAY Thursday 25th December 2025
Bethany/Tabor: 9am B/T Combined Service with Holy Communion at Bethany Church, Bethany Road, Bethany.
Grace: 9am at Grace St Paul's, Cnr. Murray St & Basedow Rd, Tanunda
Langmeil: 8:45am with Holy Communion, and 10:30am with Holy Communion at 7 Maria St, Tanunda
Lyndoch: 9am Parish Service at Rowland Flat Trinity Lutheran Church, Barossa Valley Way & Church Rd, Rowland Flat SA 5351
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Start the new year with a fresh sense of God’s presence in your daily rhythms.
Our adaption of the LCA 'Presence' Course is a relaxed, engaging, 10-week journey that helps you: notice God at work around you, grow in confidence as a follower of Jesus, and live your faith naturally in everyday moments.
Come as you are. Bring a curious friend. Everyone is welcome — whether exploring faith or wanting to go deeper.
Register now - speak with Pastor Rob on 0437 184 044 or email your interest to angastonlutheran@gmail.com.
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