his disciples.” And Jesus said to them, “When you pray, say this: Father, hallowed be your
name, may your kingdom come, give us each day the kind of bread we need, and forgive us
our sins, for we also forgive all who do us wrong, and do not bring us to the test.”
Reflect
When I was in my twenties, my parish offered a class on contemplative prayer. I went to
the class faithfully, did the reading, and practiced at home every day. Yet as the class
ended, I still couldn’t quiet my mind to enter a contemplative state. No matter what I did,
my thoughts kept racing, preventing prayerful reflection. Near tears, I went to the teacher
to ask what I was doing wrong. She gave me some advice that helps me today: not every
form of prayer is spiritually beneficial to every person at every time in their lives. Since I
now knew what contemplative prayer was, that method might prove beneficial to me later
in life (though not yet!)
The apostles ask Jesus to teach them to pray. Each of us could make the same request.
Each of us needs to learn the style of prayer that is best for us at this time in our lives.
For a busy parent, family prayer or praying the rosary while commuting to work might be
best. For others, prayerful reading of Scripture, contemplation, or prayer before the
Blessed Sacrament might be best. Ask the Lord for help. He will teach you to pray.
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