Pray the Our Father, one phrase at a time, and pause for a moment whenever you feel led to reflect on the phrase you have prayed - Daily Reflections June 19,2014

A HEAVENLY FATHER

 

Today, we have the form of the Lord’s Prayer according to Matthew. One might notice in the Gospel of Mathew the number of times God is mentioned as “heavenly Father.” According to Jewish custom, a common characteristic was to have a long list of words in addressing prayer to God so as to be heard. On the contrary, Jesus teaches that prayer should be a matter of simplicity and trust, because the Father knows all things.

       Prayer is always addressed to the Father. One might notice in the opening prayers of the Mass the various ways God is invoked as Father: Almighty, merciful, loving, compassionate. The descriptions are endless. God is holy and His name is kept holy for all ages. By addressing God as Father and as the Holy One, we remind ourselves of the kind of Presence we find ourselves in when we pray to God. He is our awesome, mighty and omnipotent Creator. After addressing God for who He is, we make our needs known. Jesus teaches us that it is enough to ask God to give us our daily bread — all that we need for sustenance, provision in meeting our concerns for the day. After asking God for assistance, we seek forgiveness for our wrongdoing — to God, others and ourselves.

       Matthew emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in the praying community. God will not listen to our prayer if we do not forgive others. God expects nothing less. He has forgiven us; we should do the same to others. The stakes are high — if we fail to forgive, God will not forgive us. It is a terrible thing to be found unforgiving in the eyes of God.

       Let the Gospel today increase our trust in the heavenly Father. Perhaps our earthly father has helped us to appreciate the heavenly Father. For many, a bad relationship with their earthly fathers can affect their relationship with God as heavenly Father. The prayer of Our Lord redeems all this and reminds us of a Father who loves, knows and provides for all His children. And that is what we are called to be — children of God. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Pray the Our Father, one phrase at a time, and pause for a moment whenever you feel led to reflect on the phrase you have prayed.

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me Your son/daughter. Amen.