Prayer: O Lord, engrave these petitions in our hearts.
Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching his disciples to pray)
Context:
The Our Father is a heavenly prayer which opens our eyes to Jesus’ second Coming and prepares us for the end of the world. Luke’s version is somewhat shorter than what Matthew records.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
While Jesus was praying in a certain place, a disciple asked him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” Jesus said to them, “When you pray say:
Father, hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come
Give us this day our daily bread
Forgive us our sins because we also forgive all who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
1. What a privilege! We can call God “Father”. In Baptism, Jesus made us God’s children.
2. We must want God to be praised and exalted.
3. “Your Kingdom come” refers to the final day, the completion of history. We must be ready for that day.
4. “Daily bread” has two meanings, the earthly bread we need each day and Holy Communion, the bread that prepares us for Jesus’ second Coming.
5. Luke’s prayer claims that the community always forgives others. What an important ideal.
6. “Temptation” refers to the final trial, when Satan will try to snatch our heavenly crown away from us at the last minute.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
1. O Father, I am forever and ever your child.
2. Father, may you always be praised.
3. Jesus, you taught me this. In heaven, I will proclaim you the eternal Father.
4. Come, Lord Jesus! Do not delay.
5. Provide my daily bread, O Lord.
6. Make me hunger for the Eucharist.
7. Forgive my sins. They are my daily burden.
8. O Mary, be with me in my final hours. Help me to overcome the Evil One.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own)
1. I will repeat these five petitions during the day.
2. I will cherish my Baptism, which made me a child of God.
Thought for the day: (To recall your meditation)
Lord, teach us to pray.