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The Lord's Prayer



June 18

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, Jesus invites us to approach prayer with simplicity and trust. He contrasts empty, wordy repetition with a concise, intimate conversation with our Father who already knows our needs. The Lord’s Prayer centers our relationship with God—honoring His holiness, seeking His reign and will, requesting daily provision, asking for forgiveness as we extend forgiveness to others, and seeking protection from temptation and evil. It reminds us that forgiveness is reciprocal: receiving mercy from God is connected to the mercy we extend to others. Prayer becomes less about performance and more about aligning our heart with God’s love and justice in daily life.


Question for reflection

In what area of your life is it hardest to forgive others, and how might embracing forgive-and-forgive-freely shape your prayers this week?


Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me into a simple, honest conversation with You. Help me to pray with trust rather than with empty words, to seek Your will above my own, and to rely on Your daily provision. Teach me to forgive others as You have forgiven me, and guard my heart from falling into temptation or the evil one’s schemes. May Your name be holy, Your kingdom come, and Your will be done in all I do today. Amen.

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