“Lord Teach Us to Pray: Responsive Reading,” by Chuck Fromm and Jeremy Armstrong, as found in Chuck Fromm, editorial, “Lord Teach Us To Pray,” Worship Leader Magazine (September-October 2015).
Leader:
So we might awaken to the wonder of your presence
So we might feel gratitude for your gift of life today
So we might discover your kingdom as revealed in our sisters and brothers
So we might find safety beneath the shelter of your wings
All:
So we might declare your glory as we gather together:
Lord, teach us to pray
Leader:
So we might forgive those who have wronged us
So we might lead free from pretense and hypocrisy
So we might trust your perfect plans and not replace them with our own
So we might love you with our whole hearts and love our neighbors as ourselves
All:
So we might declare your glory as we gather together:
Lord, teach us to pray
Leader:
So diverse hearts might harmonize as many voices become one
So our bodies might praise you in bowed heads and raised hands
So a spirit of criticism is replaced with an offering of sacrifice
So we consider others more important than ourselves
All:
So we might declare your glory as we gather together:
Lord, teach us to pray
Leader:
So the truth of your Word resonates in what we say and sing
So we might prepare a way through the wilderness of chaos and pain
So our eyes are alert and our souls awake to your movement in our midst
So our good work is fruitful in the reign of your kingdom
All:
So we might declare your glory as we gather together:
Lord, teach us to pray
Leader:
So our voices bring a pleasing sound to your ear
So the notes of our instruments rise sweetly to your throne
So our singing is a light in the darkness, drawing nations to your grace
So our songs vibrate with the voice of the Lamb who was slain
All:
So we might declare your glory as we gather together:
Lord, teach us to pray
Leader:
So the lonely and hopeless find comfort in your abundant presence
So those in war and famine find the everlasting peace of your Spirit
So we are not indifferent to the suffering of the world around us
So our songs help to make us look more like you
All:
So we might declare your glory as we gather together:
Lord, teach us to pray