Photo by Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash
It has been referred to as the most complete prayer. John Cassian said that nothing else at all should be asked for except what is contained within the limits of the Lord’s Prayer. Tertullian thought practically the whole teaching of Christianity can be seen in the Our Father. Cyprian notes the importance of the communal nature of the Our Father.
It is probably among the first prayers that any Catholic learns. And, it is a prayer that likely stays with a person their entire life. It is so awesome a prayer because it reminds us to fully and completely every aspect of the Christian life.
As we have seen, the succinct nature of the Our Father is special and important. Jesus tells us in today’s gospel not to babble on like the pagans. The intimate relationship with the Father we are called into is with a Father who already knows our needs. And as people whose lives are busy, filled with many things, the few words of the Our Father, few yet so complete, provide an easy way to pray in just a short time.
Today, give some deep thought to the Our Father, and to pray it fully. A prayer that is familiar to us can easily lose its impact if we do not think about it from time to time. Really take a moment today to think about the powerful words you are saying in this prayer.
As you talk to and with the Father today, consider the profound love of God who allows us to call him Our Father. Imagine how loving Jesus is in giving us a simple prayer that helps us to see every aspect of our faith. Let us pray. Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Music: Cheezy Piano Medley by Alexander Nakarada
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4833-cheezy-piano-medley
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
