Reflection-Lords Prayer Interrupted

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Trinity Episcopal Church
44 East Market St.
Bethlehem PA 18018-5989
610-867-4741

The Lord’s Prayer - Interrupted
A reflection by Jill Long, August 2001

My 3 year old granddaughter, Kaitlyn, and I drove to our Pocono place for the night in anticipation of a visit from her 4 year old cousin, Nicki, the next day. Kaitlyn loves coming to the lake which is visited by many deer. One came by our front door and didn’t bolt when we opened it. Kaitlyn named the deer, Rosalie. Of course, we see Rosalie often.

That evening we had a picnic dinner outside (“Very delicious Mom Mom) and then visited the beach area a few yards down the road. (“I’m doing duck patrol!”). Then we rode around our 5 streets looking for Rosalie. We saw her 5 times!

With just the two of us, I invited Kaitlyn to sleep with me. (“This is special Mom Mom”). I put her in at 8:30, prayers, kisses, then read outside our bedroom until 9:15. She didn’t sleep, she talked to me and a rubber Dalmatian. I joined her and turned off all the lights. Looking outside, the moon was bright against the gently moving trees throwing a glow on our bed. The night light shown around the closed bathroom door. Not a sound - the peace so comforting. Her body threw off a warmth, her skin so soft. I started my Prayer.

OUR FATHER. . .mom mom, it’s dark in here. Turn on the lights. It’s nighttime Kait, see the moon?
OUR FATHER, WHO ART. . . I miss Fred and Ethel (newly purchased kittens). I miss them too. It’s time to sleep, no more talking.
WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME. . . I have to go potty. (We get up together.) Mom Mom, what’s that? Our shower. Can I sit in it? Yes. We climb into bed, lots of kisses. Talking time is over.
OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN. . . Mom Mom, I want to wear a dress tomorrow. Your mommy sent a nice dress for you. Good night Kaitlyn, I love you.
HALLOWED BE THY NAME. . . THY KINGDOM COME. . . Where’s Pop Pop? He’s in Bethlehem in his bed, asleep. Good night, no more talking. O.K.? O.K.
THY KINGDOM COME. . . My Daddy says I don’t have to go to bed now. Turn on the light. It’s nighttime and we’re both in bed to sleep. Daddy, Mommy and Logan are asleep right now. Good night Sweetheart, talking time is over. O.K? O.K.
Mom Mom, did you know that Logan has his own room?
THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. . . (Ah, she’s asleep)
GIVE US THIS DAY. . . Mom Mom I’d like something to drink. I’ll get you some water. No, juice please. (I can’t resist, juice it is) Thank you Mom Mom, this is very good. I have to go potty. (Off we go)
Kaitlyn, I’m saying my prayers, no talking, O.K? O.K. God bless Fred and Ethel.
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS. . . Mom Mom, Let’s go see Logan. Everyone’s asleep at your house now. Good night. Good night.
LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, AND DELIVER. . . Nicki is my best friend. I’ll show her the lake and the farm puzzle. Tomorrow is going to be a wonderful day.
AND DELIVER US FROM EVIL. FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY, FOREVER AND EVER. . . Mom Mom, I love you and Pop Pop and everybody. AMEN.

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Trinity Episcopal Church
44 East Market St.
Bethlehem PA 18018-5989
610-867-4741