Perspective is the first of the petitions in the Lord’s prayer. It invites us to step back from simply praying for what we want and assuming that we already know what we most need.
In fact, the conflicts in our world, society, and personal relationships are often rooted in different perspectives. We may deny the legitimacy or relevance of another view, or we may discount or reject it in favor of what we believe to be more important considerations. But we also can inquire and listen. Curiosity, respect for other people, and the understanding that perspective is always an objective to be pursued, not a possession to be held, can make different perspectives less a source of conflict than an experience of learning.
We have perspectives literally on everything that we can see. We have perspectives on ourselves, on our neighbors, on our childhood, on how children should or shouldn’t be raised, on money, religious faith, on the importance of the present moment for our world. The third wave of Covid19 predictably has triggered disappointment and impatience, but ultimately, we want and need to find the resolve within ourselves to carry on and to prepare for the next chapter of life. Sometimes we recognize within ourselves the need to find a better perspective.
Precisely because good perspective is so important, even foundational, to making good decisions, it makes sense to bring a measure of curiosity, humility, and self-examination to the perspectives we hold. And it can help us in our relationships with others.
Jesus invited us to pray first for perspective. It is a prayer we can and should make every day. Behind the prayer are questions we often ask. How should I understand this? What does that mean for now and for the long term? To what should I give my attention? Where should I put my efforts?
It is easy to assume that we know what we need from God and from others. But, in fact, there are things in life that blindside us. Perhaps praying for perspective is also the reflection of a desire for greater understanding as well as an openness to learning.
Ultimately, the relevance of a prayer for perspective seems pretty obvious. Jesus makes it the starting point for prayer—an invitation for us to think about things we have learned about perspective through life, ways in which our perspectives have changed, and things that have helped us to see better. At the same time, he invited us to understand that the desire for perspective ultimately pushes us even beyond what we can see. It pushes us to recognize the sacred, the holy—not only beyond us, but with us.
Life is not simply about what we can acquire or experience before we run out of time. Holiness invites us to see ourselves and life from a greater perspective still. It invites us to live purposely, with hope beyond what we can see, a commitment to life and to others, and with an understanding of our unique value to God. It invites us to live aspirationally and to live with anticipation. It pushes us to honor our Creator and recognize the value of the time we have been given.
Positions get defended. Perspectives can be shared. To pray for perspective expresses the desire to see more clearly. It is the starting point for our prayers and for our best life.
