Matthew 6:7–15 LEARNING TO PRAY FROM THE HEART

Year A, Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray. He begins with an important reminder: prayer is not about many words or impressive expressions. God does not need to be convinced or persuaded, because, as Jesus says, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

These words can be comforting. Many of us struggle with prayer. We wonder if we are saying the right things, if we are praying enough, or if God is really listening. Jesus gently reassures us that prayer is not about performance — it is about relationship. Then He gives us the Lord’s Prayer, a prayer so familiar that we sometimes say it without thinking. Yet every line teaches us how to live.

We begin with “Our Father.” Prayer starts not with fear, but with trust. We are not speaking to a distant God, but to a loving Father who cares for us personally. Then we ask for daily bread, reminding us to depend on God one day at a time rather than worrying endlessly about the future.

And perhaps the most challenging line: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Jesus makes it clear that forgiveness is essential to prayer. A heart that refuses to forgive becomes closed, unable to fully receive God’s mercy.

Lent invites us to rediscover prayer — not as an obligation, but as a conversation with God. Even a few quiet moments each day, spoken honestly, can slowly transform our hearts.

Prayer does not change God as much as it changes us. It softens our worries, heals resentment, and helps us see life through God’s eyes.

Question to Ponder: When I pray, do I speak to God as a loving Father, or do I simply repeat words without opening my heart?

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Fr. Leo