Today’s gospel is simple, but impactful.
Jesus teaches that “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.”
Jesus reminds us that God knows our needs. Prayer should come from the heart. It should reflect a genuine relationship with God.
As I reflect on today’s gospel, I think about how I learned to pray. I was blessed with wonderful, faith-filled parents. From the time I was very little, I recall seeing my parents kneeling at their bedside saying morning prayers. As they tucked me and my siblings in bed each night, they prayed with us… a very simple, “ Jesus bless…” followed by a litany of family, friends, and occasionally a pet. I carried on the same tradition with my children. After having a week with our Grandson, I prayed the same way with him. He is 17 months old, so I listed the litany of those to pray for. I look forward to hearing who he wants to pray for as he learns to talk.
One’s faith life can be personal and I believe making it more complicated than it needs to be is a barrier encountered by far too many people who truly try to improve their faith practices or prayer life.
Today’s gospel reminds us how simple prayer can be. It also reminds us of the importance of a relationship with God and finally, the great value of forgiveness.
Consider praying as Jesus instructed and as St. Thérèse describes.
“I pray like little children who do not know how to read. I say very simply to God what I wish to say, without composing beautiful sentences and He always understands me.” St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Angela Maynard
I worked at Creighton from 2008-2022. I had a wonderful time managing the student health center until it was outsourced to CHI in 2019. After that I played a key role in the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The best part of my work was that I had the privilege to walk with students as they managed health issues during their time as a Creighton student. I cannot articulate the joy these relationships brought.
I know God is always with me and I’m always on the lookout for the signs he sends my way to reassure me of His love and presence. I look forward to the opportunity to participate in the ministry of Daily Reflections. Intentional reflection time has helped me keep God as my center as I really try to live the Gospel. This is a wonderful opportunity for me. I pray the Holy Spirit guides me in my reflecting.
