Prayer: O Jesus, teach me to pray as you prayed.
Imagination (Picture Jesus teaching His disciples the Our Father.)
Context:
The Lord’s prayer has seven petitions. The first three – “hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come. Your will be done” are really the same, showing a desire for
Jesus to return in glory. The last four petitions focus on what the disciple needs
to gain the Kingdom.
Gospel Text (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
When you pray do not use many words, for the heavenly Father knows what you
need before you ask. When you pray, say:
“Our Father, who are in heaven. Hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not
into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Thoughts (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- In the Our Father, Jesus explains what the disciple should desire.
- The Heavenly Father and His Kingdom must come first.
- In all things, the disciple must accomplish the Father’s will.
- The disciple must receive the daily bread of the Eucharist.
- The disciple’s sins must be forgiven to gain the Kingdom.
- The disciple must forgive all who have inflicted injuries.
- The disciple must persevere in all trials and temptations.
- The saints said this prayer slowly and devoutly.
Affections (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, show me what I should desire.
- Focus all my desires upon your Kingdom.
- O Father, I will live for your glory.
- Let your Kingdom break into my life.
- Jesus, reveal the Father’s will. I will do it always.
- Give me a hunger for daily Eucharist.
- I forgive everyone, Lord. Everyone.
- O Jesus, help me in my temptations and to persevere.
Resolutions (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
- I will make the Our Father my daily prayer.
- I will make Holy Communion my daily food.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation)
When you pray, do not use many words.