The WORD in Other Words by Fr Edwin Fernandez SVD (Philippines)
Tuesday 1st Week of Lent
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to pray. Four things we need to seriously consider when we pray.
First, it is the sincerity of our heart that truly connects us to the Heart of God, not the over abundance of words we say. In Chile, there is a saying: “A buen entendedor, pocas palabras” (Few words are needed for one who is quick to understand). God already knows what we wish to tell Him, even before we utter the first word.
Second, prayer is primarily an act of opening and surrendering ourselves to God’s will so that His Kingdom may grow within and around us. It is humble listening to God and searching for what He wants us to do in our life-situations.
Third, when we pray, we need to learn to ask for the most important things in life: that God’s Name be glorified, that His Kingdom may come, that His will be done, our daily bread, forgiveness, overcoming temptations, and being delivered from evil. While God knows all our needs and desires, it will greatly please Him if we constantly ask for the Grace of the Holy Spirit who leads us to His will and makes our lives delightful in His eyes.
Fourth, prayer challenges us to become more and more like our Father. Just as He forgives us our sins, we too are wholeheartedly challenged to forgive others. As He gives us our daily bread, so should be also choose to joyfully share our bread with the hungry.
Preaching with less words but with great love will touch the lives of those who listen. Praying with a humble and generous heart will bring us close to God and make us loving and compassionate to our brothers and sisters.
Source – The WORD in Other Words, Bible Diary 2020
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