GENESIS 18: 20-32
PSALM 137: 1-3, 6-8
COLOSSIANS 2: 12-14
LUKE 11: 1-13
There are many types of conversations between peoples and depending on the type of conversation, there is a dynamic taking place between the two parties. For instance there is a different dynamic going on in a business discussion as against a conversation between a parent and child or between two friends, or a robber and the victim, between politician and the public or between courting couples. Each type of conversation has a different effect on the parties concern.
When we pray, there is also a dynamic taking place between God and us, the consequence of which has an effect on us.
In the Our Father prayer, Jesus teaches that there are some very important aspects to remember about this conversation, this relationship.
The very nature of the prayer already tells us that this conversation between God and us is very different from any other conversation – It is not a conversation between equals. Yet, in the Our Father, Jesus tells us that God is not distant but very near to us; God is someone we can approach with confidence as a child approaches his / her loving father. God is caring, concern for us and loves us.
And so in prayer the first and foremost thing we must remember is that ‘God’s name is Holy.’ In this conversation, there must always be a respect for the Holiness of God.
Respect is not just about being polite; it is also honouring the goodness of the person.
It’s like this: Have you come across times when people will ask you to do something that is wrong and unlawful? That is not respecting your integrity, your goodness and your holiness.
We should never then wish evil upon a person in God’s name. We should also not ask God to feed our greed or our pride. For God is holy and God is love.
‘Your kingdom come’ is a call to be open to the will of God by always seeking God’s way. If we are not open to the will of God and the Way of God, we will not know the answer God’s gives to our prayers.
Remember when Jesus prayed at the garden of Gethsemane he asked the Father to take away this cup. He knew the Father could grant him his request. But he was open to the will of the Father and was willing to follow the Way of the Father. He did not get his request, but the Father answered his prayer and God won for us our salvation. God may not seem to answer our prayers the way we want, but God will always answer our prayers.
‘Give us this day our daily bread’ follows naturally from this, for it is the call to always trust in God. And trust can only grow when there is a loving relationship. That relationship grows when we can recognize God and are open to God’s Way in our very daily activities.
‘Forgive us our sins’ is the humble acknowledging of our sinfulness and a recognition of our total dependence on God’s mercy and love. It is about facing the truth and not pretending to be something else. Honesty is an essential part of right relationships, and leads to a desire for God.
Many people turn away from God simply because they feel that they do not need God. They feel that they are good enough.
Forgiveness is also a recognition that a right relationship with God goes hand in hand with a right relationship with our neighbour. We cannot understand the fullness of God’s loving mercy and compassion unless we are open to it in our relationship with others.
How many wars are fought, and family disputes arise simply because there is a lack of mercy and forgiveness.
‘Do not put us to the test’ is a turning to God for guidance and protection. This again is a recognition that as humans we are not strong enough but depend on God. As St Paul said, “It is when I am weak that Christ is strong in me.”
The ‘Our Father’ is a prayer which highlights our relationship with God. It is about a child seeking to know God by being open to God’s love that that love may become our strength to follow God.
May our prayers, like Jesus’ prayer always end with an offering of ourselves to the Will of God, that we may come to know God.
Merredin Catholic Parish 