Readings: 2 Corinthians 11:1-11, Ps. 111:1-4,7-8, Matthew 6:7-15
“When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words” (Matthew 6:7)
At the time of Jesus, people had a particular way of praying similar to that of many today. They loved to heap up many empty phrases because they imagined God far away. Jesus teaches us that there is no need for this because God is so close to us that He even knows what you have in mind before you speak.
In other words, there is no need to shout, no need to repeat oneself repeatedly, and no need to use meaningless words, which some people wrongly refer to as speaking in tongues. When you “speak in tongues”, you must understand the meaning of what you are saying lest your praying becomes a show you put up to give others the impression of holiness.
When you pray, place yourself in the presence of God and realise that all your prayers are directed at God, not at anyone who may be listening to you. Even if you use a microphone, you are not praying to people; you are praying to God, who is right there with you. He is not far away. He can hear your thoughts.
You may be praying for people, but it is God you are talking to. You may bless the people, but you must be careful not to assume a position of authority over God, whereby you begin to give God commands. You can make prophetic declarations when you hear from God, but you must be careful not to tell lies in God’s name. Even the prophets in the Bible did not always say things pleasing to the people’s ears; they delivered God’s words.
Jesus taught us a short prayer in our Gospel passage. This prayer does not use repeated/empty phrases. It gives God His due praise and glory. It begs God; it does not issue commands. It is a prayer of commitment in that it asks of God and tells God what you will give to Him.
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer, you ask for your daily bread; you also promise to forgive those who sin against you. Do not be too focused on taking from God when you pray that you forget to give back to God.
Above all, remember that prayer is a Dialogue, not a Monologue. As you talk to God, you must also listen to Him.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, draw us nearer and nearer to you. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of week 11 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 11:1-11, Ps. 111:1-4,7-8, Matthew 6:7-15).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu