DAILY HOMILIES #empty phrases

Prayer is not a recital. There is nothing wrong with using structured (already-made) prayer. Jesus gave us one in today’s Gospel passage. However, in using a prayer book, our job is not merely to read out the words but to communicate with the words.

Prayer is not just about asking, it also involves doing. Jesus makes clear the point: “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

As Jesus explains, the effectiveness of prayer does not depend on the number of words used but on the faith behind each word. We will be heard not because of our many words but because God is a Father who never stops loving His children.