Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 34 Distribution of Goods According to Need
Mass: Is 55:10-11; Resp Ps 34; Mt 6:7-15

From the heavens the rain and snow come down.

We hear the verses on prayer omitted from the Gospel proclaimed on Ash Wednesday. Last week, Jesus told us to pray in secret so that others don't see us. It is the Father who sees in secret who will repay us. Today Jesus provides more guidance. First, don't babble and think that you will be heard by your many words. The Father knows what we need before we even ask Him. We are to keep our prayer simple and straightforward. This is how you are to pray:

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed by 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. 

Amen.

For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and love, embracing both trial and joy.

(St Thérèse of Lisieux)

Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.

(St John Damascene)

Contemplative prayer in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us.

(St Teresa of Ávila)