Our Father . . . (Matthew 6:9)
Perhaps you’re having a conversation on your
cell phone, and suddenly, the other person is just not there. Maybe
something went wrong with their phone or with your phone. If it keeps
happening, and you realize the problem’s on your end, you know it’s time
to get a new phone or change your phone service. It’s frustrating to
have spotty connections with people—especially important people!
Sometimes
we can feel that way about our prayer life. We want to have a
life-giving connection to God, but it doesn’t always seem as if he hears
us—or as if we’re hearing him. What can we do about this? Maybe the
answer lies in the way Jesus tells us to pray: “Our Father who art in
heaven, hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9).
If you’re a father,
you know how much you love your children. If you’re not a father, think
about the love your father had for you. And if he didn’t model that kind
of love, think of other fathers you knew who did. Think of how
dedicated they were to their children, how affectionate they were, and
how creative they were in their parenting. Now take this dedication,
affection, and creativity and multiply it by one thousand. That doesn’t
even begin to describe the way God our Father deals with us!
That’s
something to keep in mind when you are struggling with prayer. Try to
focus on the reality of your Father’s love and mercy rather than how
hard you’re trying to pray. Try to imagine him sitting next to you, with
his arm around your shoulder, rather than seated on a courtroom bench.
When
you pray today, don’t forget who your Father is. Try to let go of your
worries and fears. Quiet your mind and heart, and just sit with him.
Before you tell him your needs, thank him for his love, and praise him
for his grace—in your own words. And if you’re at a loss for words, just
read today’s responsorial psalm out loud, slowly and carefully. Let
your Father, who is “close to the brokenhearted,” lift you up with his
love (Psalm 34:19).
from wau.org
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