Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished,
one of his disciples said to him,
"Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."
He said to them, "When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name,
your Kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread
and forgive us our sins
for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us,
and do not subject us to the final test."
REFLECTION:
"Lord, teach us to pray
Our home does not have cable. All our television viewing is through apps such as you tube and Roku TV. We watch news a few hours after it has happened, and listen to many podcasts, documentaries and enjoy vintage movies.The catholic podcasts are great--there are many testimonials of conversions, the power and disciplines of a good prayer life, discussions of the lives of the saints, gospel readings, homilies and many more.
We are taught how to do, but many times example is the better teacher. At church I notice how people pray and am touched by the experience. Prayer warriors, nuns and priests at a certain hour break away for their time alone with God.
Jesus taught the apostles especially in prayer. They asked Him to teach them to pray and His answer was so simple. It was the Our Father, the most perfect of prayers. In this prayer He teaches us how to ask for things, and in what order. It is not mechanical nor a formula of words.
The first petitions have to do with God, the glory of God, His Kingdom and His will. The second petitions have to do with our needs and necessities, asking for bread and forgiveness. Finally, we petition for help in temptation and in the fight against evil.
There were no televisions, i phones or gaming apps to distract the apostles in the Lord's time. We need to commit to and be disciplined to a good prayer life. Do not give up, do not compromise, do not leave for tomorrow what today can be done. Follow Jesus and His way and you will do well on this earthly journey to heaven.
Pray not only for yourself but for your spouse, children, family and priests -- so that all may go to heaven.
Comments