“In praying, do not babble like the pagans,
matthew 6:7
who think that they will be heard because of their many words.”
Reflection
Jesus tells his disciples to not babble like the pagans when they pray. He also teaches them the Our Father prayer.
Jesus’ teaching on prayer here is important. Not only does he teach us how to properly pray to our Father in heaven, but he tells us that our words do not need to be many. Likewise, our prayer can be simple; there is no need for large and fancy words. The Father knows what we are going to pray about and ask for before we even do it.
In your prayer, do you try to use big words or sound smart? Do you have an endless one-way dialogue with yourself? Sometimes it is difficult to avoid doing these things, but we can look back at this Gospel and remember that all Jesus requires is honest simplicity. More words spoken doesn’t equal more prayers answered.
How can you practice simplicity in your prayer life? Ask the Lord for the grace to pray sincerely from the heart every time you approach him.
Saint of the Day
St. Romuald: 950 – 1027
“Sit in your cell as in paradise. Put the whole world behind you and forget it. Watch your thoughts like a good fisherman watching for fish. The path you must follow is in the Psalms – never leave it.”
St. Romuald
The Healing Word 