LEAD US, LORD
Comments(2) “And lead us not into temptation.” These words in ‘The Our Father’ never seem to speak clearly to me, as though I am missing something, probably missing exactly what was intended for us by Jesus.
As a child, it was easy to assume that someday, after I grow up and know more about life, it will clear up.
But, when you get into your 70’s, you can’t fog the issue that way anymore.
So I’ve taken to punctuating the phrase my own way, meanwhile adding a meta-prayer, an inchoate plea that I am not distorting or vitiating the prayer as intended and given by Our Lord as I say it.
I say it thus: “Lead us — not into temptation.” Just a slight pause makes a subtlely meaningful difference.
Seems like a terrific supplication: Lead us! Lead us, Lord!
And oh yes — not into temptation! Anything but that!
But how I pray that You lead us!
And may we someday learn to follow You better!
