How to Pray

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be they name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as 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." 

(Matthew 6:9-13)

The Lord’s Prayer begins by acknowledging God’s name, kingdom, and will. It focuses on worshiping the Father. Our prayers should prioritize God’s glory, seek His provision, and align with His purposes. Forgiveness is central. We must forgive others as we seek God’s forgiveness. We should cultivate a forgiving heart and extend grace to others as God extends it to us.'

Jesus emphasizes genuine, heartfelt prayer. We should avoid praying to impress others or manipulate God. Let us be real and sincere in our prayers, approaching God with authenticity, not for human approval. May our prayers reflect sincerity, reverence, and holiness as we approach our heavenly Father.

In reverence, we lift our hearts, 

Acknowledging God’s name above all. 

His kingdom reigns, His will unfolds, 

Our worship echoes through the hall.

We seek provision, daily bread, 

Yet more than sustenance we crave. 

His purposes align with ours, 

As we journey toward the grave.

Forgiveness flows from heaven’s throne, 

A river of grace, unending. 

We, too, must pardon as we’re pardoned, 

Our hearts with love and mercy blending.

Jesus taught sincerity, not show, 

No need for grandeur or pretense. 

Approach the Father as you are, 

With authenticity, immense.

Not for human eyes, our prayers arise, 

But to the One who knows our core. 

May every word reflect His light, 

As we draw near forevermore.

Heavenly Father,

In the quiet chambers of our hearts, We lift our voices, sincere and true. Acknowledging Your name, Your majesty, We bow before the throne where grace imbues.

Your kingdom reigns, eternal and unshaken, And we, Your children, seek to honor You. May our prayers prioritize Your glory, As we journey through days both old and new.

Provide for us, O Lord, our daily bread, Yet more than sustenance, we humbly ask. Align our purposes with Yours, we plead, In every step, in every sacred task.

Forgiveness flows from Your abundant love, A river of mercy, cleansing every stain. Help us forgive as we seek Your pardon, Our hearts transformed by grace’s sweet refrain.

Jesus, our model, taught us authenticity, Not for show, nor to impress mortal eyes. Let our prayers be genuine, unfiltered, As we approach You, our refuge in the skies.

Not for human approval, but for Your delight, May our words rise like incense, pure and free. Sincere, reverent, holy—our hearts laid bare, As we commune with You, our God of mystery.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

TEACHING ABOUT PRAYER / THE LORD'S PRAYER

Matthew 6:5-8/9-15

Gospel Acclamation

You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: Abba! Father! 

Gospel | Matthew 6:7-15

7 Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 “This is how you are to pray: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be they name, 10 thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread; 12 and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; 13 and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ 14 “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” 

Background:

The background of Matthew 6:7-15 includes the well-known passage of the Lord’s Prayer. Here are some key points:

Context: Matthew 6 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches His disciples about righteous living and the principles of God’s kingdom. In this chapter, Jesus addresses various aspects of spiritual life, including giving, prayer, fasting, and trust in God.

The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13): Jesus provides a model prayer, emphasizing sincerity and simplicity. Key themes include reverence for God (“Our Father in heaven”), submission to His will (“Your kingdom come”), dependence on His provision (“Give us this day our daily bread”), forgiveness, and deliverance from evil.

Motivation Matters: Jesus warns against doing good deeds (such as giving, praying, or fasting) merely for public recognition. True righteousness comes from a heart devoted to God, not from seeking applause from others. The Father rewards those who serve Him with genuine motives.

Overall Message: Matthew 6 challenges believers to examine their motivations in spiritual practices and redirect their focus toward God and His kingdom. It provides a blueprint for a life that is not obsessed with material wealth and daily worries but is immersed in sincere worship, trusting in God’s provision, and pursuing His righteousness.

Learning Lessons:

The spiritual lessons we can glean from Matthew 6:7-15, where Jesus teaches the model prayer (often known as the Lord’s Prayer):

Sincerity of Expression (vv. 7-8): Jesus emphasizes genuine, heartfelt prayer. We should avoid praying to impress others or manipulate God. Be real and sincere in your prayers. Approach God with authenticity, not for human approval.

Reverence of Content (vv. 9-13): The Lord’s Prayer begins by acknowledging God’s name, kingdom, and will. It focuses on worshiping the Father. Our prayers should prioritize God’s glory, seek His provision, and align with His purposes.

Holiness of Heart (vv. 14-15): Forgiveness is central. We must forgive others as we seek God’s forgiveness. Cultivate a forgiving heart. Extend grace to others as God extends it to us.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

June 20, 2024, 7:20 AM

Pray in Secret

"But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, 

and pray to your Father in secret. 

And your Father who sees in secret 

will repay you." 

(Matthew 6:6)

The ultimate goal of our spiritual disciplines should be to draw closer to God, not to impress others. 

Jesus reminds us to prioritize a genuine relationship with God over outward appearances and practice our faith humbly, without seeking attention or praise from others. We are called to perform acts of charity, prayer, and fasting with a sincere heart, seeking God’s glory rather than human approval. 

Let us focus on God alone.

 

In quiet corners, where no eyes can see, 

We seek Your face, Lord, in humility. 

Not for the gaze of man, but for Your eyes, 

Our spirits reach for You, beyond the skies.

Disciplines of faith, not for show or fame, 

But to draw nearer to Your holy name. 

In prayer, in fasting, and in charity, 

We seek not praise, but Your clarity.

Jesus reminds us, with a gentle call, 

To love our God, and give to Him our all. 

Not in loud fanfare or with boastful pride, 

But in the secret place where You abide.

Let our hearts be pure, our intentions true, 

Seeking only Your approval in all we do. 

For in the end, it’s Your voice we long to hear, 

“Well done, faithful servant,” drawing near.

Lord Jesus, 

Guide us in our spiritual quest, to seek the Father’s heart and know what’s best. Not to impress others with outward show, but to draw closer to God, and in His love grow.

Help us prioritize a genuine bond, with our Creator, of whom we are fond. May our faith be practiced with humble hearts, and in our devotion, your grace imparts.

In acts of charity, prayer, and fast, may our intentions be pure and steadfast. Seeking not the applause of human hands, But the glory of God, which forever stands.

Let us focus solely on You, dear Lord, and in every action, be in one accord. For the ultimate goal of our discipline, is to be closer to You, free from sin. 

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

TEACHING ABOUT ALMSGIVING / ABOUT PRAYER / ABOUT FASTING

Matthew 6:01-04/05-08/16-18

Gospel Acclamation

Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.

Gospel | Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. 2 When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 5 “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 16 “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

Background:

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. 

In these verses, Jesus teaches about the proper motivation behind religious practices. He emphasizes that acts of charity, prayer, and fasting should not be done for public recognition but should be performed with humility and a focus on God, who sees what is done in secret. This teaching encourages a sincere heart and a heavenward focus in our spiritual disciplines.

Learning Lessons:

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 teaches us important lessons about our approach to religious practices:

Sincerity: We are called to perform acts of charity, prayer, and fasting with a sincere heart, seeking God’s glory rather than human approval.

Humility: These verses encourage us to practice our faith humbly, without seeking attention or praise from others.

Focus on God: The ultimate goal of our spiritual disciplines should be to draw closer to God, not to impress others.

These teachings remind us to prioritize a genuine relationship with God over outward appearances.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

June 19, 2024, 6:08 AM

Persistent in Prayer

And will not God vindicate his elect, 

who cry to him day and night? 

Will he delay long over them?

Luke 18:7

And He told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.'

For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.'"

And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says.

I tell you, He will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will He find faith on earth?" - Luke 18:1-8

Be Persistent in Prayer is a phrase that encourages Christians to pray continually and not give up. It is based on several biblical verses that teach the importance and power of prayer. Some of the reasons to be persistent in prayer are:

God rewards persistence: The Bible also teaches that God honors those who persevere in prayer and do not lose heart. He is pleased with our faith and trust in him, and he will reward us with joy and peace. Luke 18:1-8, Hebrews 11:6

God hears and answers prayer: The Bible promises that God listens to the prayers of his people and responds according to his will and timing. He is not deaf or indifferent to our requests, but he cares for us and wants to bless us. Psalm 34:15, 1 John 5:14-15

God shapes our character: The Bible shows that prayer is not only a way to ask God for things, but also a way to grow in our relationship with him. Through prayer, we learn to depend on him, to align our will with his, and to become more like him. Romans 8:26-29, James 5:16

The Lord is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. - Sirach 35:12-14

The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay. - Sirach 35:16-18

Lord Jesus, no one goes to the Father except through You. In you, I am always secured of my rights and have always been justified. Thank You so much for constanlty bringing me close to the Father. 

May You find faith in me when You come. Each day I live by faith in You as my Lord and Savior. Faith that You will always be with me so that my joy will always be full and complete. 

Today, I persistently pray for healing and protection against any form of harm, sickness, or pains. I pray for the wisdom of being fair and just in all of the works and undertakings that You have set before me. May your ever protective hands be upon me against any form of greed, selfishness and dishonesty. 

I may be persistent in my daily prayers to You but I believed that the only reason why You kept on favorably acting upon my prayers petitions is because of the unconditional love You have for me. Please accept my humble offering of praise and thanksgiving for all that You have done and continue to do for me each moment of my life.

With much love, I give You back all the glory and honor now and forever. Amen.

Pericope: 
THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT WIDOW - Luke 18:1-8
TRUE WORSHIP OF GOD - Sirach 35:1-24


Published:

November 18, 2023, 8:42 AM

October 27, 2019, 7:37 
October 20, 2013, 7:42 AM
November 13, 2010, 5:29AM

Persistent in Prayer

"And the Lord said, 'Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly." 

(Luke 18:6-7)

Jesus encourages us to be persistent in our prayers. Just as the widow in the parable kept pleading with the unjust judge, we should continually bring our requests to God, trusting that He hears us. Let us to maintain our faith and trust in God, even when answers to our prayers seem delayed. We are reminded that God's timing is perfect, and He will act swiftly when the time is right.

Unlike the unjust judge, God is just and compassionate. He will bring about justice for His chosen ones who cry out to Him. This reassures us of God's fairness and His commitment to righting wrongs. 

These lessons inspire us to be persistent in prayer, trust in God's justice, maintain our faith, and reflect on the strength of our belief. 

In the quiet of the night, 

When shadows fall and stars are bright, 

A whispered prayer, a heartfelt plea, 

Reaches up to eternity.

Through trials faced and burdens borne, 

In moments dark and hearts forlorn, 

We lift our voices, strong and clear, 

Persistent in our faith, sincere.

For in the silence, God does hear, 

Each whispered word, each fallen tear. 

With steadfast heart, we seek His face, 

And find our strength in His embrace.

So let us pray, both day and night, 

With faith unwavering, hearts alight. 

For in persistence, we shall find, 

God's love and peace, both pure and kind.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with hearts full of faith and determination. Teach us to be persistent in our prayers, never losing hope or giving up, even when the answers seem delayed. Help us to trust in Your perfect timing and to believe that You hear every word we speak.

Grant us the strength to continue seeking Your guidance and the patience to wait for Your will to unfold in our lives. May our prayers be a reflection of our unwavering faith in Your love and power. Remind us that through persistence, we grow closer to You and deepen our relationship with You.

Lord, fill our hearts with the assurance that You are always with us, listening to our cries and understanding our needs. Help us to remain steadfast in our devotion, knowing that You will bring about justice and peace in Your perfect way.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT WIDOW

Luke 18:1-8

Gospel Acclamation

God has called us through the Gospel, to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel | Luke 18:1-8

1 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, 2 “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. 3 And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ 4 For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, 5 because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” 6 The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. 7 Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? 8 I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

The Lord's Prayer

 "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 in debt to us, 

and do not subject us to the final test.”

(Luke 11:2-4)

The Lord’s Prayer, also known as the Our Father, is one of the most well-known and cherished prayers in Christianity. It was taught by Jesus to His disciples as a model for how to pray. It appears in two forms in the New Testament: a longer version in the Gospel of Matthew (6:9-13) and a shorter version in the Gospel of Luke (11:2-4)12. The prayer incorporates elements of Jewish prayers and teachings, reflecting themes such as reverence for God, requests for daily sustenance, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil.

Liturgical Adaptation: Early Christian communities adapted the prayer from the Gospel texts and taught it to new converts. The version we use today includes a doxology (“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen”), which was added early in Christian liturgical practice.

Didachē: The doxology is believed to have originated in the Didachē, a compilation of Christian teachings from the 1st or 2nd century. The Lord’s Prayer is used by most Christian denominations in their worship services. Despite theological differences, it serves as a unifying prayer for Christians around the world. Following the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), the doxology was added to the Roman Catholic Mass, reflecting a gesture of ecumenism and unity among different Christian traditions.

The Lord’s Prayer is recited in various forms of daily prayer, such as the Roman Catholic rosary and the Anglican daily office. It continues to be a model for personal and communal prayer, emphasizing key aspects of Christian faith and practice. The key elements of the Lord’s Prayer are as follows:

Addressing God as Father: This signifies a personal and intimate relationship with God. 

Hallowed be Your name: Acknowledging the holiness and sanctity of God’s name. Start your day by acknowledging God’s holiness and greatness.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done: Expressing a desire for God’s reign and His will to be fulfilled on earth. In your decisions and actions, seek to align with God’s will and purpose.

Daily bread: Asking for God’s provision for our daily needs. Trust God to provide for your needs each day.

Forgiveness: Seeking God’s forgiveness for our sins and committing to forgive others. Practice forgiveness, both in seeking it from God and extending it to others.

Guidance and Protection: Asking for God’s guidance to avoid temptation and for protection from evil. Pray for strength to resist temptation and for protection from harm.

Our Father in heaven, so holy and true,

Your kingdom come, Your will we pursue.

On earth as in heaven, Your love we proclaim,

In every heart, we honor Your name.

Give us this day our daily bread,

Nourish our souls, by Your Spirit we’re led.

Forgive our trespasses, as we forgive,

In Your boundless grace, we learn to live.

Lead us not into temptation’s snare,

Deliver us, Lord, from every despair.

For Yours is the kingdom, the power, the glory,

Forever and ever, in Your wondrous story.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Luke 11:1-4

Gospel Acclamation 

You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: Abba! Father!

Gospel | Luke 11:1-4

1 Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread 4 and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Co-Pilot

Prayer for Purposeful Faith

Lord Jesus,

Our faith journey is not always easy, but we know it is purposeful. Help us to follow You, embracing the challenges and sacrifices that come our way. Teach us to set aside our own desires and ambitions, aligning our hearts with Your will. Grant us the strength to live selflessly and sacrificially, just as You did.

We recognize our limitations, Lord, and we rely on Your strength. Keep us humble and open to Your guidance and revelation. Remind us of Your words, that those who lose their life for Your sake will save it. Help us to understand this paradox and to prioritize eternal values over temporary gains.

May we focus on what truly matters in Your kingdom, living each day with purpose and grace. In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Prayer for Genuine Faith in Action

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts open and humble, seeking to live out our faith in ways that reflect Your love and righteousness. Help us to ensure that our beliefs are not just theoretical, but are lived out in practical, meaningful ways.

Lord, remind us that our actions should stem from a genuine faith, acknowledging our dependence on You. Foster in us a spirit of humility, as we recognize that our good works are a response to Your grace, not a means to earn it.

Grant us the compassion and courage to take tangible steps to support and uplift those around us. May we align our lives with the broader biblical theme of loving our neighbors as ourselves. When we see someone in need, move our hearts to act, so that our faith is not questioned, but evident in our deeds.

Help us to be proactive in serving others, embodying the love of Christ in all that we do. Let our daily behavior align with our spiritual convictions, ensuring that our faith shines brightly in every aspect of our lives.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.