Sacred Geometry

As we make our way through the Lord’s prayer, I’ve been struck by the perfect structure and geometry of it. I used to think that the things Jesus put it in felt quite random, but I am beginning to see some connections.

First, all seven petitions are for things we will always be needing - we will never get to a point in our lives when we have outgrown the need for any of these things (identity, food, forgiveness, protection). These are gifts we can’t live without, so they need to be refreshed every single day of our lifespan.

Additionally, all of the petitions apply to every single person, while also being general enough for each person to engage with the prayer at their own level of interpretation or spiritual depth. Even more amazingly, the things Jesus puts before us are all things we cannot do by ourselves without help. They are all big needs which lead us to community and make it clear that life is an endeavor bigger than any of us can do alone.

Not only do the petitions all have these things in common; Jesus also presents them in a very structured order. The Lord’s prayer is a journey that begins with who we are in God; proceeds with the gifts of the strength that we need to live out that identity; and concludes with a caution that as we advance and grow as God’s children, we must never become complacent and lose our utter dependence on grace.

I can only think that Jesus was able to design something so intricate and elegant, yet humble and simple, because he lived it.

with love,

Pastor Chelsea