In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 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 forgive our debtors; and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one. If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions. (Mt 6:7-15)
Jesus tells us here about prayer: what is should be and how is should be. Prayer is not a repetition of meaningless words and phrases. It is not something that has to be heard by someone so that we are granted something for our life. Prayer is one of life’s great mysteries. It exhibits relationship. Because, it is addressed to the Father. It is not to an unknown deity.
Jesus gives a framework for this prayer. Prayer is not a magical formula but a meaningful expression of one’s own desires and wishes. This prayer is addressed to the Father (God) who lives in heaven and has a reign (Kingdom). To this Father we can ask for everything (even food) but especially for forgiveness. We also need to pray for God’s guidance, protection and presence in times of trial which is on the way.
Only condition in the prayer is that we should be forgiving people. The heart that will not open to forgive others will remain closed when God’s own forgiveness is offered. This is the prayer that the Father wants to hear from his children; a prayer acknowledges him as a Father living and active (Kingdom) and grants all to his children; and grants forgiveness provided there is a forgiving heart.
