Simply Pray

‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:7-15

I love listening to children when they pray the Lord's prayer. Once they have learned it, they often shout it with joy. When they are learning, the scramble of words is a joy to listen to as well. Adults tend to make complicated prayers, clergy even more so, and bishops, well, we go overboard. But really, Jesus said not to add anything unnecessary, show-offy, arrogant, officious or the like to a prayer. Keeping it simple is not because Jesus doesn't want to hear it, but because our wordiness keeps us from humility, honesty and simplicity. He reminded his disciples, time and time again to be humble and forgiving always, and he reminds us again today.

Loving Creator, you loved us from the beginning

you give us a good life filled with community

and you call us to pray and live with humility.

We like to show off how we can use words to dazzle

we hide behind our showy prayers and rituals

yet you, who are perfect see behind all the finery.

Help us Lord, today, to be forgiving and humble

let our pride fall away so we might see the needs

and respond with your abundant and forgiving love. Amen.