Daily Reflection Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

In the verses leading up to Jesus teaching the Lord's prayer he reminds us not to pray like the hypocrites who just pray in public to be seen and not to pray like the pagans who just Babble and think they will be heard because of their many words. As I was pondering that I thought about how many times I said the Lord's prayer without really understanding what I was saying. I memorized this prayer years ago in grammar school and like other prayers, I recited it verbatim without really giving it much thought. Then a few years ago I started praying the Lord’s Prayer slowly and deliberately reflecting on what I was saying and to whom I was saying it.



Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be they name,

   Heavenly father, creator of all things, breath of heaven, how do my words and deeds honor you?



Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

    Am I following your will? Am I leading others to the kingdom by actions?



Give us this day our daily bread;

    Do I start each day in prayer believing that you will give me what I need to get through the day?



Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others who trespass against us;

    How often do I ask of your forgiveness and not forgive others?



Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

    Do I turn to the father to keep me strong when I face temptations?



I wrote the above last year during Lent. I don’t think there is anything more I can add, except now more than ever, with all the turmoil in our world, we really need to put this prayer into practice. We need to forgive more, ask for forgiveness more, and trust that Our Father is right here with us. That he is providing for us and will keep us safe from temptations that will take us away from him.



For the rest of Lent try to start your day with the Lord’s prayer.

Pray it slowly, pause and reflect on each verse, and listen with your heart to God.