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.”

Today's reflection from

Andrew Schmit, principal of

St. John School in Fenton.

St. Therese of Lisieux described prayer as “a surge of the heart, it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus instructs us how to pray, giving us the powerful words to “The Lord’s Prayer.” But before he gives this way to pray, he “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. (Matthew 6:7).” What a beautiful reminder in our daily lives that should give us freedom and joy. We simply need to keep our hearts humble and connected to God. 

As I reflect further on today’s Gospel my heart is filled with gratitude for how my parents taught me how to pray at an early age. Mom taught me how to pray using scripture and Dad taught me how to use every opportunity to pray throughout the day, using simple rote memory prayers like “The Jesus Prayer.” In my daily routines I can simply think “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner” as I go about my business. Prayers like “The Jesus Prayer” and “The Lord's Prayer.” We do not need to have a masters degree in prayer or create rich tapestries of prayer with eloquent speech. Not at all. We simply just need to quiet our minds and hearts and pray. 

Please click play to join us in our prayer for today, led by Mr. Schmit with Preschool