“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