The Lord’s prayer

Gal 2:1-2.7-14; Psalm: 116; Lk 11:1-4

In today’s Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray in what is known as the Lord’s Prayer, found in Luke 11:1-4. This passage is a powerful reflection on the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian. In these verses, Jesus instructs his followers to address God as “Father,” expressing intimacy and trust in their relationship with Him. He then goes on to outline the various aspects of prayer, such as asking for daily sustenance, forgiveness of sins, and deliverance from temptation. Through this prayer, Jesus shows us the importance of seeking God’s guidance and grace in our daily lives.

Today we commemorate the memorial of John Henry Newman, a renowned theologian and cardinal in the Catholic Church. Once he said, “To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.” This quote beautifully captures the essence of spiritual growth and transformation through prayer. Just as Jesus teaches his disciples to seek God’s will and forgiveness through prayer continually, Newman reminds us that change is a necessary part of the Christian journey. Through prayer, we are able to reflect on our lives, seek forgiveness for our sins, and open ourselves up to the transformative power of God’s love.

Prayer is not just about asking for things from God, but also about building a deeper relationship with Him. As Jesus demonstrates in the Lord’s Prayer, prayer is a way to acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our lives and to surrender our will to His. Through prayer, we are able to align our hearts with God’s Will and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives. It is through this intimate communion with God that we are able to grow in faith and become more like Him.

Furthermore, prayer is a powerful tool for overcoming trials and temptations. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus instructs his disciples to ask for deliverance from temptation, recognizing the reality of the spiritual battles we face in our daily lives. Through prayer, we are able to draw strength from God and resist the temptations that seek to lead us astray. As John Henry Newman reminds us, change is a constant part of life, and through prayer, we are able to navigate these changes with grace and humility.

The passage in today’s Gospel and the quote from John Henry Newman both emphasize the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian. Through prayer, we are able to seek God’s Will, align our hearts with His, and find strength to overcome trials and temptations. As we reflect on these teachings, let us remember the power of prayer in our spiritual journey and seek to deepen our relationship with God through constant communication and communion with Him.