The First Lord's Prayer

The First Lord’s Prayer

When we were young children, most of us in the Western World were taught The Lord’s Prayer. For many of us, this prayer is still significant in our lives today. But did you know that the English translation removes some of the metaphysical language of the original text?

The prayer would first have been rendered in Galilean Aramaic, then into Koine Greek (the common language of Hellenistic times), and later into English. So, we are two languages, two millennia, and a radically different worldview away from the original text.

A Unitarian minister, Dr. Alex Riegel, kindly posted a translation of the original Aramaic. The translation is sensitive to the mindset of our ancestors’ way of viewing the world of spirit. As you read the translation, pay particular attention to: “....where I may experience your presence (light, sound, vibration – manifestation)”. It gives new meaning to the New Thought idea of the Law of Attraction. Thank you, Dr. Riegel.

Note also that author and scientist Gregg Braden says in his (awesome) book The Isaiah Effect that the following phrases are authentic translations of the Aramaic words Abwoon d’bwashmaya (which we commonly translate as “Our Father”):

“O Birther! Father-Mother of the Cosmos,”

“O Thou! The Breathing Life of all,”

“Name of Names, our small identity unravels within you,” and

“Radiant One: You shine within us.”

Many blessings, Michael Ireland

* * *

English Translation of “The Lord’s Prayer:”

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done, on 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.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom…

Original Galilean Aramaic:

Source of Being that manifests all things,

by which we perceive your existence,

I prepare a place within myself,

free of worldly attachments,

where I may experience your presence

(light, sound, vibration - manifestation).

May my will merge with your will,

realizing your beneficent intent within me,

that I may act in accordance with the Divine order.

Provide the wisdom and strength that I need this day,

and restore my relation to you in equal measure that I

restore relations with those who have offended me.

Help me avoid the entanglement of worldly desires,

indeed, direct me away from wrongful action.

Gratitude to Dr. Riegel for his amazing website and helpful postings.

Find Dr. Riegel’s posting at:

http://www.gpuuc.org/alexanders-meanders-ministers-blog/abwoon-dbwashmaya-our-father