Lord, teach me to pray...
Whether you go to church regularly or only on feast days, you probably know the Lord's Prayer, and you probably know what is often called the "real" version which happens to be the version from the 1928 prayer book,which uses scripture from the King James Version of the bible, an English translation of the Bible begun in 1604 and finished in 1611. (The verbiage of the Lord's Prayer in the 1928 prayer book was actually composed in 1700.) The King James bible was considered to be one of the most beautiful works produced during the Renaissance, and the language is Elizabethanly poetic.
But, it is not the exact translation of what Jesus said when the disciples asked him how to pray. Jesus and his disciples most likely spoke a Galilean dialect of Aramaic. And the following is a transliteration of the Lord's Prayer from that Ancient Aramaic language.
Oh Thou, from whom the breath of life comes, who fills all realms of sound, light and vibration. May Your light be experienced in my utmost holiest. Your Heavenly Domain approaches. Let Your will come true - in the universe (all that vibrates) just as on earth (that is material and dense). Give us wisdom (understanding, assistance) for our daily need, detach the fetters of faults that bind us, (karma) like we let go the guilt of others. Let us not be lost in superficial things (materialism, common temptations), but let us be freed from that what keeps us from our true purpose. From You comes the all-working will, the lively strength to act, the song that beautifies all and renews itself from age to age.
Sealed in trust, faith and truth. (I confirm with my entire being)
Not quite the same as some of us learned and have said for what seems like ever... see below!
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
In 1979 when the Episcopal church revised the prayer book, a different translation was included as an alternate to the 1700 version, and many churches use it today. Again, see below.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
All to say, on this All Saints' Day when we remember all those in our lives who have taught us about God and Christ and Love and Salvation, I am giving thanks for the many ways saints in the past have interpreted Jesus' answer to that wonderful request..."Lord, teach us to pray."