How to Pray
Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 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 others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“This is how you are to pray: ‘Our Father who are it heaven…’ “
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Sometimes when we pray (take the Rosary for example) we pray classic, memorized prayers like the Our Father or the Hail Mary, not thinking of the words of the prayer, but of certain mysteries of the Faith. And this is a good practice. But let’s not forget the immense beauty and richness of these words, most especially the words of the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus Himself gave to us to pray.
Today in our prayer, let’s pray the Our Father slowly and meditatively, five times in a row. This time, let’s think about the words of the prayer itself. They are unspeakably rich. Whatever parts of the prayer move us, let’s consider these as we pray. In this way we will be meditating directly on the words of Jesus, the prayer of Jesus, which He chose to give to us. After this prayer, let’s thank God for giving us the Our Father.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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