Our Father...

Gospel MT 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples:
“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 who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

“If you forgive men their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

Jesus wants us to keep our prayers simple.  Perhaps none is simpler than the Our Father which is why it is my go-to prayer before meals and at the end of my meditation/prayer practice.  It may take a lifetime for me to fully realize the wisdom in this prayer.  How can I completely appreciate and understand my Heavenly Father?  How can I come to really know His will for my life?  How can I fully trust God to provide?  What does it mean to really forgive?  How can I let go of all of this life's temptations?  In today's reading, Jesus urges us to forgive.  Forgiveness opens my heart.  Forgiveness makes me more vulnerable.  Forgiveness creates space where God's abundant love can heal even the deepest wounds.  I am at my best when I let go of resistance and resentment.  I am at my best when I forgive.