Il-‘Missierna’ (The ‘Our Father’) is a beautiful writing and reflection on God the Father by St George Preca.
In this work, the Founder teaches us to call God the Father as the ‘Lord of heaven and earth’. Moreover, he invites us to address him every morning as the “sweet Father of the blessed Jesus Christ’.
In the introduction, St George explains why we should use this tender name for God, stating that the inspiration comes from Jesus himself, who taught us the Our Father prayer. This affectionate name inspires and instils confidence, hope, love, and sweetness. Consequently, we are not afraid to approach God and embrace Him as His children.
St George Preca delves into the true meaning of the Our Father, providing practical teachings for every Christian. Through this book, he offers a simple exposition for our meditation of the Lord’s prayer.
As one begins to read the book, it quickly becomes evident, that St George Preca remains consistently faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and the Bible, from which he drew much inspiration. He manages to present solid dogmatic and spiritual teachings in concise and straightforward paragraphs.
The meaning of the Our Father
Our Father who art in heaven.
To you we call, O holy God; we turn to you because we are your children.
Hallowed be Thy Name.
In this way, we ask God to help everyone recognise Him and give Him glory with a sincere rejection of sin.
Thy kingdom come.
In this way, we ask God to instil in us a true desire for heaven.
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
In this way, we ask God to grant us the grace to deny ourselves perfectly.
Give us this day our daily bread.
In this way, we ask God to provide us with everything we need for our soul and body each day.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
In this way, we ask God to show us mercy and to help us show the same mercy to our neighbours.
And lead us not into temptation.
In this way, we ask God not to leave us alone during trials.
But deliver us from evil.
In this way, we ask God to fill us with the grace to fear sin and its consequences.
Amen.
In this way, we affirm that we truly desire all that we have asked of God and that we strongly hope for it from Him.
