Book Review: Lord, Teach Us: The Lord’s Prayer & the Christian Life by William H. Willimon & Stanley Hauerwas
Featuring an Introduction and ten chapters, Lord, Teach Us: The Lord’s Prayer & the Christian Life is just a little over 100 pages, but is an exhaustive look at the pattern of prayer taught by Jesus and instituted for the disciples and early church. In the Introduction, the authors state that this is a prayer “you must learn to pray,” because each line marks the journey of the Christian.[1] From the start they suggest, we pray the Lord’s Prayer, because it is in the Lord’s Prayer that “we are being made into a people whose journey is a sign to the world that God has not abandoned the world to its own devices but is present as a people on the move, a people moving out from their old ways and means, ordinary people who have been given the extraordinary authority to be part of the divine assault upon the realm of evil” and that “journey is dangerous.”[2] Through the Lord’s prayer, we are declaring our dependence on God. For this reason, this book looks at what it means to “be a Christian by learning how to pray as a Christian.”[3] This book caters to both the theologically trained and practical seekers of the Christian life alike.
The first chapter looks at the opening line of “Our Father,” in the Lord’s Prayer. The prayer "Our Father" underscores the intimate and communal aspect of Christian faith, emphasizing the collective relationship with God through Jesus Christ within the church and challenging conventional notions of family, while highlighting God's role as Creator and the source of salvation. In the second chapter, the authors look at the implications of the line, “In Heaven.” Here, we acknowledge God's cosmic sovereignty, prompting bold requests for global peace, sustenance, and healing, while challenging the domestication of God. Through Chapter 3, the book dissects what is part of praying “Hallowed be your name.” This chapter prompts believers to honor and praise God's name in all aspects of life, thereby shaping their identity and actions in alignment with the divine will, while cautioning against the misuse of God's name for personal agendas and highlighting the transformative power of prayer in shaping individuals in the likeness of the One they worship.
Chapter 4 unpacks the line “Your kingdom come,” in this pattern of the disciple’s prayer. An engaging chapter, it highlights the radical nature of God's kingdom, calling believers to prioritize spiritual concerns over material ones and to actively participate in the transformative work of repentance and allegiance to God's rule, challenging societal boundaries and divisions while embodying the inclusive and welcoming nature of God's kingdom community, rooted in hope and a vision of a future where God's reign is fully realized, even amidst the complexities and challenges of the present world. Chapter 5, “Your will be done on earth, as is heaven,” was one was my one of my favorite chapters, and emphasizes the surrender of personal desires to align with God's overarching plan for creation. It explores cultivating patience and hope as believers await the manifestation of God's will in the world, even amidst the challenges of waiting and the tension between human desires and divine intentions, while embodying a public and defiant commitment to live according to God's will, thereby bearing witness to God's ongoing work of redemption and reconciliation in the world. Moving into, Chapter 6, we find the line “Give us today our daily bread” explored at great depth and with fresh revelation. Challenging a prosperous and self-made people, this chapter underscores the tangible and immediate nature of the Christian faith, as believers acknowledge their daily dependence on God's provision for sustenance and the interconnectedness of their lives
In Chapter 7, the authors interpret the line of the prayer that reads, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” The readers are challenged with new aspects of seeking forgiveness from God and extending forgiveness to others, recognizing the communal and corporate dimensions of sin and forgiveness. The eighth chapter breaks down what Jesus meant when he taught us to pray, “Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.” As the authors point out, in this line, “When you pray to be saved, to be delivered from the test, you are acknowledging that you are not in control of your fate, that there really is something in the world worth resisting, that this world and its rewards are not enough, and that you answer to some greater power than that which the world bows before.”[4] In the ninth chapter, the traditional line added to the Lord’s Prayer, “For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever,” is investigated and analyzed. The tenth and final chapter, which is followed by a scripture and name index, gives fresh foundations to ending a prayer with “Amen.”
The authors, two Duke professors, are no strangers to theological circles. Though now retired, William H. Willimon served as the dean of the Chapel and professor of Christian ministry at Duke University at the time of publishing.[5] Additionally, Stanley Hauerwas was a professor of theological ethics at Duke University.[6] Both have written dozens of books, and countless other resources, but have also collaborated on the books Resident Aliens and Where Resident Aliens Live.[7] Though I did not browse or read it, there is an additional book, Lord, Teach Us: Leader’s Guide that is available from these authors to supplement this book as a teaching for churches, classes, and groups.
As a student in the Doctor of Ministry program at Kairos University, I am exploring the theological and practical foundations of utilizing the Lord’s Prayer in discipleship, communal contexts, and with those on a spiritual pilgrimage. As I delve into the historical and theological underpinnings and structure of the Lord’s Prayer, this book has been indispensable and perfectly timed for my continued investigation into its depths. This book reminded me how much I appreciate the poignant and rich writing of Stanley Hauerwas. Undoubtedly, this book has provided me with fresh insights for both my personal understanding and research. It will undoubtedly remain a favorite resource on this topic as I move forward.
William H. Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas, the authors have successfully accomplished their purpose of providing a comprehensive exploration of the Lord's Prayer and its significance in the Christian life. Their strengths lie in their meticulous examination of each line of the prayer, offering valuable historical, theological, and practical insights that cater to both theologically trained individuals and practical seekers of the Christian faith. A potential weakness could be the book's brevity, as it covers each line of the prayer in relatively short chapters, leaving some readers desiring more in-depth analysis or exploration of certain theological themes. It effectively connects the historical context of the Lord's Prayer to contemporary life, offering practical insights and applications for today's world.
This book, Lord, Teach Us by William H. Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas stands as a deep, but easy-to-read, comprehensive, and insightful resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Lord's Prayer and its significance in the Christian life. With its meticulous examination of each line of the prayer and its blend of historical, theological, and practical insights, this book offers valuable guidance for both theologically trained individuals and practical seekers of the Christian faith. I highly recommend it as a foundational text for study, reflection, and application in discipleship, communal contexts, and spiritual pilgrimages.
[1] William H. Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas, Lord, Teach Us: The Lord’s Prayer & the Christian Life (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1996), 15.
[2] William H. Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas, Lord, Teach Us: The Lord’s Prayer & the Christian Life (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1996), 14.
[3] William H. Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas, Lord, Teach Us: The Lord’s Prayer & the Christian Life (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1996), 14.
[4] William H. Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas, Lord, Teach Us: The Lord’s Prayer & the Christian Life (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1996),91.
[5] William H. Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas, Lord, Teach Us: The Lord’s Prayer & the Christian Life (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1996), Back Cover.
[6] William H. Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas, Lord, Teach Us: The Lord’s Prayer & the Christian Life (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1996), Back Cover.
[7] William H. Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas, Lord, Teach Us: The Lord’s Prayer & the Christian Life (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1996), Back Cover.
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