In today’s gospel we have Luke’s account of Jesus’ teaching
on prayer. The disciples see Jesus continually praying and they want to learn
Jesus’ way of prayer. Jesus begins with an example of the kind of elements that
prayer may include – adoration, thanksgiving, petition, reparation for sin. In
today’s gospel we have Luke’s form of the “Our Father”. Matthew’s version (we say in the liturgy) is
found in Chp. 6 with the wording we commonly use when praying the “Our Father”.
Luke continues with Jesus pointing out the need for
perseverance as a necessary character of prayer. This follows with Jesus
guaranteeing with certainty the efficacy of prayer. How often have you heard
others complain, or even yourself, that God never answers my prayers? James in
his letter points out (. . . you do not receive because you are asking for all
the wrong things. Chp. 4:) Look, if you want to win the lottery buy a ticket
and cross your fingers. Prayer is not about lotteries.
For Jesus prayer is all about learning and knowing and understanding
the will of God – who is God – who am I – why am I here – what is God’s plan
for my life – what do I need to do to cooperate with his will for me; Lord show
me.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness Jesus says in Matthew, and all these things will be added unto you. Mtt. 6:33
Our world today is so materialistic, believing that real
value is found only in things, in wealth, in power, in material security. Is
this not at the heart of why so many are turning away from religion – growing
in a knowledge of God and God’s will – how will that help me to have a better
life is their question?
I encourage you to go to Matthew chapter 6: read and reflect
on Jesus words about prayer where we hear . . . . .
Vs.19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal;
For Jesus, prayer is a relationship, a dialogue between us
and our loving Father who wills only our good. “. . . for your Father knows
what you need before you ask him. Mtt. 6:8” It is we who do not know what we
really need as we go to prayer. Prayer is discovering how the Father plans to
take care of us.
Vs.34 "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today. |
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