HOW TO PRAY

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent Year C Matthew 6:7-15 Prayer is not a multiplication of words. It is not a formula for vocal recitation nor a blue print of vain repititions. It is not a litany of petitions either because our Father already knows our needs before we ask. Friends, prayer is not all about what we wanted but what God wants for us. Jesus teaches us that it is not the amount of words, nor the time we spend but faith that is important. Brethren, Jesus loves short and simple prayers but with sincerity of intentions and holiness of heart. Friends, when you pray make it short. Precise but concise! Second thing, when we pray avoid being seen. Do it between you and God. The Scribes and Pharisees wanted the people to think they were pious and close to God, so they made it their practice to pray in such a way as to be seen by men. They went into the synagogues and made a show out of their prayers. What was important to them was what the people thought not God. This is hypocrisy! Finally, time spent in prayer is never wasted. You will never regret the time you spent with God. In this season of Lent let us strenghten our relationship with God through prayer. Friends, never doubt the power of prayer! Be sincere with your prayers. Your sincerity is proven when you learn how to forgive those who mistreat you. Your sincerity is ratified when you forgive your enemies. “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Conclusion: In praying be short, be specific and be sincere. Blessings Fr. Jhack