Luke 11: 1-4
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Teach Us To Pray
In his autobiography, St. Ignatius explains of his time in Manresa: “During this time God treated him just as a schoolmaster treats a little boy whom he is teaching.” How many times might he have poured over these lines in the Gospel, searching for deeper meaning, entering into dialogue with Jesus as he learned to pray?
We repeat the Lord’s prayer so many times that this reading almost seems to be cut short. Returning to the Gospel passage, I am struck by the way this short text overlaps with St. Ignatius’ recommendations for the Examen. Recognize God’s holiness, give thanks, ask for forgiveness, and look toward the future.
Perhaps Ignatius was praying over this very passage as he drafted parts of his Spiritual Exercises. Today we can pray for his intercession as the Lord teaches us to pray as well.
—John Byrd is communications manager for American Jesuits International.
Prayer
Become aware of God’s presence.
Review the day with gratitude.
Pay attention to your emotions.
Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
Look toward tomorrow.
—Steps of the Ignatian Examen