22 June, 2023 | Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

 Gospel Mt 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples:

"In praying, do not babble like the pagans,

who think that they will be heard because of their many words.

Do not be like them.

Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

"This is how you are to pray:

'Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy Kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.'

"If you forgive others their transgressions,

your heavenly Father will forgive you.

But if you do not forgive others,

neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."

Reflections

Jesus calls his disciples to pray and teaches them how. Prayer is not a magic formula but a trusting relationship between God and myself. The Our Father invites me to simplicity and sincerity of heart. It has an attitude of complete dependency on God. 

Prayer can take many forms. But at its heart it is a chat, a conversation, a mutual listening, and a comfortable relationship. It is not gabbling my way through a few set formulae, but a loving encounter, as when two good friends meet up and share with one another about things that matter to them both.

Books on prayer -- Click here