The Lord's Prayer

Readings for Wednesday October 7, 2009

First Reading: Jonah 4:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 86
Gospel: Luke 11:1-4


Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.” (Lk 11:1-4)

In today's gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples what we know as the Lord's prayer. This is a prayer which most Christians know by heart, and it is one that we should pray often, for it is the same prayer that Jesus gave to us to pray. We must make sure that when we do pray it that we are praying with reverence and truly focusing on the words of this prayer. It can be very easy to go into autopilot mode and begin reciting this prayer without even thinking about it.

In this prayer, we call upon and recognize God as our heavenly Father, who loves us and guides us through life. His name is sacred and is the only one that we worship and hold up high. His kingdom is glorious and is our true destination, may we persevere and strive in this life until that day comes. All life and all of our blessings and gifts comes from God, may we take these things not with a selfish heart, but with a heart of thanksgiving. As sinners, we often times fall short and are in need of God's abundant mercy and forgiveness; and as He forgives us, we also should forgive those who sin against us. At the end of this world, I pray that our lives have been dedicated to Him and that we have all been good and faithful servants, ready and accepted into heaven; and that we would be spared of any final test.

This is a prayer given to us from Christ Himself, let us make sure that we are praying it as we should be.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, all good things come from you, thank you for never abandoning us and for loving us so much. Lord, we are not worthy of all that you give us, but you still choose to be merciful and to show us love compassion. Lord, may we follow you where ever you lead with an unwavering faith. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.