Let Us Pray

In today's reading from Matthew, Jesus teaches us how to pray. He says "when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues to be seen by others." Instead, Jesus tells us to go into our inner room, close the door, and pray to our Father in secret. Our Father already knows what we need before we ask, so we don't need to use vain repetitions or long-winded prayers. Jesus then provides a model for how to pray - the Lord's Prayer. This prayer perfectly balances reverence for God with requests for both physical and spiritual needs. As we go through our week, let us remember to take time for private prayer as Jesus taught. Find a quiet place, close the door, and speak honestly to God. Follow the Lord's Prayer as a guide, focusing on forgiveness, avoiding temptation, and seeking only God's will. When we pray in this way, our Father who sees what is done in secret will reward us.