“In praying, do not babble like the pagans.”

Matthew 6:7

Matthew 6:7-15

Reflection

Jesus instructs his disciples to not babble in prayer like the pagans do, but rather pray to their Father in heaven. He then teaches them the Our Father prayer and says that if they forgive others their transgressions, their heavenly Father will forgive them.

We can all babble endlessly and meaninglessly in prayer at times. We go on a tangent or down a rabbit hole, essentially talking to ourselves instead of God. Jesus instead gives us a better way to pray, by appealing to our heavenly Father.

Obviously, simply saying the Our Father for your prayer and calling it quits there is usually not enough, but it is a good starting point, because this prayer invites us to truly meditate on God’s will, forgiveness, and staying away from evil. When we thoughtfully pray, we veer away from babbling and instead focus on silent contemplation with God.

How is Christ calling you to pray in a more effective way? What are some habits you can develop that will help you stay focused during prayer?

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Saint of the Day

St. Gregory Barbarigo: 1625 – 1697

“Be shepherds, not overlords; be teachers, not judges; be servants, not masters.” St. Gregory Barbarigo