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The Lord's Prayer


Gospel
Matthew 6:7-15
How to pray

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘In your prayers do not babble as the pagans do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard. Do not be like them; your Father knows what you need before you ask him. So you should pray like this:

‘Our Father in heaven,
may your name be held holy,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven those who are in debt to us.
And do not put us to the test,
but save us from the evil one.

‘Yes, if you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either.’


**Reflection:**

In this passage from Matthew, Jesus teaches us that prayer is not about the length or the eloquence of our words, but about sincerity and humility. He reminds us that God already knows our needs, so our prayer should focus on genuine relationship and trust. The Lord’s Prayer, as Jesus presents it, is a model of asking for daily sustenance, seeking forgiveness, and requesting guidance away from temptation. A crucial part of this prayer is the call to forgive others, emphasizing that our relationship with God is deeply connected to how we treat those around us. As we reflect on this, we might ask ourselves: Are my prayers truly heartfelt, and do they reflect a willingness to forgive and seek forgiveness?

**Question for reflection:**  
How can I incorporate more sincerity and forgiveness into my daily prayers and interactions with others?

**Short Prayer:**

Heavenly Father,  
Thank you for teaching us how to pray and for your endless love and mercy. Help us to pray with sincerity, trusting that you know our needs before we ask. Fill our hearts with forgiveness so that we may truly reflect your grace in our lives. Guide us to live according to your will, and keep us safe from evil.  
Amen.


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