20 June, Thursday — Pray from the heart

Thursday of Week 11 in Ordinary Time

Sir 48:1-15
Mt 6: 7-15

“…your Father knows what you need before you ask him.“

As a Catholic, I find it challenging to pray from the heart. We are adept at set prayers, but this familiarity can sometimes turn our recitation into a mechanical process. Words flow effortlessly from my lips yet fail to touch the depths of my soul. When invited to spontaneous prayer, I often struggle, and the words that escape my lips feel like babbles.

Jesus advises us in the Gospel, ‘In praying, do not babble like the pagans…’

Sometimes, I bore myself half-crazy listening to my own prayers. This is why I find great comfort in the assurance that ‘Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.’

I may not measure up to the deep, soul-wrenching prayers of some of my more eloquent brethren, but this verse reassures me. I feel every emotion in my heart. I sit in silence, sometimes in the dark, and offer a simple prayer: “You know my pain and my struggles, you know my fears and uncertainties… you know my anger and impatience. Father, help me.” It is comforting to know that I don’t need to pepper my prayer with too many intelligent or emotionally evocative words.

I am sure this struggle is not unique to me; it is a common experience for many faithful. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus teaches us how to pray through the words of the ‘Our Father.’ This prayer, rich in meaning, is one we recite so often that its familiarity can sometimes make it difficult to truly engage with its depth. Its significance is profound, as it comes directly from Jesus Himself.

As we recite this prayer, have we truly paid attention to the individual petitions within it? Each petition is a little prayer in itself, inviting us to quiet reflection.

The first part of the prayer focuses on God: “Our Father who art in heaven; hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” The remaining lines turn to our own needs: “Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” Perhaps today, we can take five or ten minutes to sit quietly with each petition, allowing the Lord to speak to us through the words He gave us.

In the stillness of prayer, I am invited to move beyond the surface level of recitation and enter into a deeper, heartfelt conversation with God. This requires intentionality and mindfulness, setting aside distractions and opening my heart to the transformative power of these sacred words. It is a journey of learning to pray from the heart, a journey that deepens my relationship with God and aligns my life more closely with His divine will.

Today, as I reflect on the ‘Our Father,’ I am reminded that each petition is a doorway to a more intimate and authentic prayer life. By taking the time to sit quietly with each line, allowing the Lord to speak to me through these words, I can begin to overcome the challenge of praying from the heart and truly embrace the richness of this prayer that Jesus Himself gave us.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Geraldine Nah)

Prayer: Lord, thank You for teaching us the ‘Our Father.’ Help us to deeply reflect its profound meaning. Open our hearts to honour Your name and seek Your kingdom. Help us to surrender to Your will, trusting in Your goodness. We ask for our daily bread, both physical and spiritual. Forgive us for our failings and grant us the grace to forgive others, reflecting Your mercy. Protect us from trials and temptations, delivering us from all evil. Surround us with Your divine protection and peace.

Thanksgiving: Thank you, Father for the gift of life and the many blessings You have bestowed upon us. You know our needs before we even ask, and You provide for us in ways we cannot comprehend. Father, we thank You for the assurance that even when our words falter, You understand the depths of our hearts. In our moments of silence, in our struggles and uncertainties, we know You are there, listening and caring. We lift up this prayer in the name of Jesus, who taught us how to pray and draws us closer to You each day.