JUNE 19: This is how you are to pray... (v 9). (Sirach 48:1-14 11:1-11; Psalm 97) MATTHEW 6:7-15 The pagans sought their gods approval by lengthy repetition of their prayers; however, Jesus taught his followers a simple prayer, which we call The Lords Prayer. Jesus told his disciples that they could approach God as Father, a loving parent who was intimately present and already knew their needs. At the same time, they were to reverence Gods name and obey the divine will of Heaven so that Gods reign would be established on earth. Just as Israel had to depend upon Gods providential gift of manna during their wilderness journey (Ex 16:4, 15), Jesus disciples were to put their trust in God for their daily bread as they journeyed to their eternal home. Gods mercy is bestowed on sinners; therefore, Jesus disciples must offer forgiveness to others. We should pray that we will not fail God in the final test. Our way of praying to the Father varies from one person to another. It depends on our person and our degree of intimacy with the Father. But the common thing we do is to start with words. We string words together to communicate with the Father. This at least could be shared. What cannot be transferred is the disposition behind the utterances of the same words. In today’s Gospel, Jesus taught his disciples the words He used to talk to His Father. He can show them by example how a life lived in proximity to the Father is. But it would be the personal effort of the disciples to awaken their love for the Father while praying. Do I pray the Lords Prayer with faith and trust in Gods loving care? Abba Father, help me to follow your Son each day. Amen…
Posted on: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 02:43:49 +0000
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