Prayer: – O Lord, engrave these petitions in my heart.
Imagination: – (Picture Jesus teaching his disciples to pray)
Context:
Understanding the Our Father will surprise you. It 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 is usually said. (Matthew’s version).
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. Jesus made us God’s children in Baptism. Now, we can call God “Father”.
2. Now God’s holiness is manifested in Jesus’ name. So every tongue must confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father.
3. “Your Kingdom come” refers to the final day, the completion of history. Being prepared for that day must be our goal.
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. The temptation always means the final trial, when Satan will try to snatch our heavenly crown 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. Let your name be always on my lips.
2. O Jesus, in your name I glorify the Father.
3. Come, Lord Jesus! That is the Bible’s final prayer.
4. Provide my daily bread, O Lord.
5. Make me hunger for the Eucharist.
6. Jesus, guard me in the final testing.
7. O Mary, be with me in my final hours.
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.