For every day during Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
One of the practices of Lent is to increase our habit of prayer, in addition to almsgiving and fasting.
Prayer is what connects us to God. It involves lifting up our heart and mind to God.
But, sometimes I hear people say, “I am too busy to pray.” Then, quite frankly, they are too busy.
We all need time to stop, consider the goodness of God in our lives, give thanks for our blessings, and then rest in the love that God has for us. We also ask God in prayer to help us and others in need. God hears the prayers we offer to him. But, prayer does not change God’s mind. No, prayer makes our heart ready to receive God’s answer, whatever it is.
So, today, Jesus gives us a prayer that is all-inclusive. It is actually rather short and to the point. He gives us The Lord’s Prayer. St. Augustine said that is the perfect prayer that sums up everything that we need to ask God for. We should make it a part of our daily routine, praying it several times throughout the day (praying a Rosary will take care of that).
It should not be rushed; it should come from our heart and from our mind as we contemplate the Father who cares for us as any parent cares for their children. God also teaches us to reverence him, listen to him, depend on him, be pardoned by him, and then pardon others who have sinned against us. After we have prayed this great prayer, then we can stop for a moment and ask God to speak back. He will.