The Venezuelan re-write begins with the words 'Our Chavez, who art in Heaven', in reference to the country's late president.
The version was written by a member of Venezuela's Socialist Party, in reference to Huge Chavez, who died from cancer in March 2013.
The new prayer includes references to protecting the country from 'evil' such as capitalism and oligarchy.
Christians, including the vice-president of the Evangelical Council of Venezuela, have criticised the prayer.
The Rev José Piñero described it as "an act of idolatry and desecration and a trivialisation of the sacred."
The following version was recited at the Venezuela Socialist Party congress in Caracas, in front of an image of Chavez:
"Our Chavez
Who art in heaven, the earth, the sea and we delegates,
Hallowed be your name, may your legacy come to us so we can spread it to people here and elsewhere.
Give us your light to guide us every day
Lead us not into the temptation of capitalism,
Deliver us from the evil of the oligarchy, like the crime of contraband,
Because ours is the homeland, the peace and life
Forever and ever. Amen.
Viva Chavez!"
A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference
In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.
Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.
For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.
Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.
Support Us
