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.
REFLECTION:
“This is how you are 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.
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