Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.” (Luke 11.1-4)
Today’s readings today are about prayer …. and particularly, today’s Gospel from Luke talks to us about the Lord’s prayer. It is one of Christianity’s most beloved ritual prayers .
Even though I didn’t go to church until I was in my late teens, I learned it early, the “olde English” version with the Thy’s and Art’s. I can’t even remember how or where I learned it, but over the years, it has become a staple at my table of prayer.
Sometimes it becomes the prayer we can default to in times of worry and struggle, trusting that the words as said will effect the changes we desire.
Other times, we savour the prayer, spending time on one or more of its elements or themes. Themes like daily bread, which symbolizes our constant dependence on God. Or themes like forgiveness – which is a central blessing of the new covenant in Jesus … and also a reminder that to claim that new covenant blessing we must live as new covenant people. Which means that we too are called to forgive.
The Lord’s Prayer can become for us spiritual fast-food, or a banquet to feast upon and be delighted in.
Our readings today also give us some deeper insights about prayer. In Genesis, we see Abraham’s delightful banter with God about good souls in sinful places. In the Gospel, we see Jesus addressing God the Father using the familiar term of “Abba” … It is akin to saying ‘ Hi Dad,’ … Both readings speak to a familiarity that comes from an intimate relationship with God. It is that close relationship that is foundational in our spiritual life as Christians.
And there is yet one more insight about prayer. It has been said about human communication that we have two ears and one mouth …. and we should use them in that proportion. The same is true of communication with God, the same is true of prayer. Regardless of the words we use to talk to God, it is even more important for us to also take time to listen to God.
Take for example at Mass. There are many times during the Mass when we are talking to God. But there are also times of quiet and reflection, when we listen to God. Does God speak to us? Absolutely !!!!
In each Mass, every Mass, something will touch you. Perhaps it is in the words of the readings. Perhaps in the tune or the lyrics of the music. Perhaps it may come from the person on the pew next to you. Perhaps it is in the words of the prayers of the faithful, or even the flickering flame of the memorial candles. Regardless, something will always touch you, speak to you.
Listen to that voice. Be receptive to that movement of your heart, that movement of your spirit. For God encounters you in that moment. God connects with you within that experience. Be aware of, and open to, that movement, for it is God talking to you. Remember, God is as close to you as God was to Abraham when he bartered. God is as close to you as God was to Jesus when he called him “Dad”. And God is that close to you and I today.
Isn’t that right, Abba ….