Interpreting the Bible symbolically, or as we say, metaphysically, is the central view that distinguishes Unity from traditional Christianity. This week I will be presenting our unique interpretation of The Lord’s Prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer is most likely the scripture most used by Christians. New Thought writer Emmet Fox says: “The Great Prayer is a compact formula for the development of the soul”, he further notes: “It is a complete system of metaphysics and theology.”
The Prayer is written in seven clauses “put together in perfect order and contains all that is necessary for the nourishment of the soul”. The eighth clause, (for thine is the kingdom and the glory), scholars do not consider part of the original prayer.
The seven clauses can be broken down as such:
- “Our Father” (establishes the relationship between God and man).
- “Which art in heaven”. (is the first description of God’s nature)
- “Hallowed be thy name” (Hallowed means wholeness or oneness, which is a second description of God’s nature).
- “Thy kingdom is done, Thy will is done” (the original Aramaic is in present tense). Heaven is here and now. Our “duty” is to manifest God’s ideas here on earth as in heaven.
- “Give us our daily bread...”- (means more than food, it means all that is needed for a happy, healthy harmonious life).
- “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive…” Herein lies the “key” to our “salvation”. Freeing our debtors, frees us!.
- “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”, seems puzzling as written, but the Aramaic phrase is don’t let us remain in temptation, and the word for temptation is “unripeness”.
Join me for a complete and fresh interpretation.
