"Our Father"
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading provides us the only prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. Together with the first reading in which Abraham intercedes with God for forgiveness for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, these two readings provide us with important points for our own prayer life. Prayer in Jesus words, first of all is a relationship. The very first words, “Our Father” indicates the intimate relationship that Jesus had with God. Note also the deeply intimate conversation that Abraham conducts with God. There is a kind of familiarity that is points to intimacy, depth and most of all sincerity in their relationship with God.
Second, prayer is about giving God worship. The second phrase in the Our Father is “Hallowed by Thy Name.” God is all holy and human beings find their meaning in offering him the highest glory.
Third, prayer must be accompanied with deep confidence in God. “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; and the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks the door will be opened.” An intercessor must have absolute confidence that God, the Good Heavenly Father (unlike earthly wicked fathers) is eager to give good gifts to his children. Getting good things from the Father is not like pulling tooth. Yet we must trust God will provide for our needs in God’s time.
Fourth, notice the communitarian dimension of prayer in the sentence, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” In other words, prayer is hardly ever an individualistic affair. Even in the most private prayer we are connected to our brothers and sisters.
Fifth, prayer must be accompanied with a desire of freedom from sin. “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Sin is the biggest block to prayer.
Today’s Psalm is a perfect prayer as well. Let us end this reflection by slowly praying this prayer:
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,
and the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk amid distress, you preserve me;
against the anger of my enemies you raise your hand.
Your right hand saves me.
The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.