VII.
In our passage for this week Jesus gives us much to guide our reflections on how we pray.

He mentions pitfalls that await if we think prayer is about being seen or about being heard.

He even tells us, “… your Father knows what you need before you ask …” which might lead us to think there is no reason to pray.

But his next words are, “Pray in this way …” and then he gives us a model for how we can pray (more on that next week).

VIII.
What correctives do you hear Jesus offer you for your praying?

Can you recall times when you prayed with too many words? Why? Do we not trust that God knows our pains, needs and wants? Are we uncomfortable resting in silence with God? Or, maybe we are trying to justify ourselves in God’s sight?

Maybe Jesus words, “… your Father knows …” should give us confidence that God hears more than we can ever speak.

Likewise, Jesus warns us that there is no reward to be gained by “showing off” in our praying. We might be tempted at times to show others (or even God) how well we can pray. But praying is not a contest to be won by having our head bowed correctly or our hands folded in the exact right way.

IX.
Oswald Chambers writes, “The purpose of prayer is get ahold of God, not of the answer.”

What are you hoping for in praying?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}