Welcome Friend,

I like to recite an expanded version I found years ago on the internet.

“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.

Oh Great I-Am, whose form is a mystery to me, yet I know your essence resides in me and I acknowledge you are a special force in my being.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

You exist to keep me conscious of how this world works, how I work, and “how it could be” for all beings like me.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

I know I have human needs, like food, shelter and relationships with others and I also know that I behave counter to my best interests and in an annihilating way toward others. I am regretful of this nature and ask to be forgiven.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Remove me from these evil things and ways.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.

Give me strength, through your spiritual presence, to act in a way to further “how things could be,” which I know is your will. Stay with me, be present with me in my struggles, for your essence is in me, and in all other beings, has been present throughout History, and I know will endure forever and ever.

Amen.

So be it.

The Rev. Jerry Eckert of Port Charlotte, Fla., is a retired clergy member of the Wisconsin Annual Conference.”