Jesus is quoted in today’s Gospel with the prayer he taught his disciples, and through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus Christ teaches us how to live the prayer.

Without fanfare, we are to praise and worship our God. We do this not only through our voices but also through our actions. We are to await in hope for our entrance into God’s eternal heavenly banquet as we build up the kingdom here and now on earth. We must consent to God’s will, surrendering our ambitions and selfishness. We are to humbly petition for our actual needs, as we respond to the needs of others. We must seek forgiveness for our many transgressions as we sympathetically forgive others for their offenses. And we plead to be protected from evil, aware of our obligations to promote love, peace, and justice.

As a Christian community, we pray the Lord’s Prayer as we begin the Communion Rite at every Eucharistic celebration. Throughout the Mass, we reiterate Jesus’ directive through praying the Penitential Act, the Kyrie, and the Gloria. We petition God to hear our prayers in the Prayers of the Faithful. We praise God again as we pray the Sanctus. As the Mass concludes, the priest instructs the people: “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.” With joy and conviction, we respond: “Thanks be to God!”. We accept this directive to live and share the good news of our faith!

Let Us Pray:

Lord Jesus Christ, you taught your disciples to pray. May we be taught to live your prayer, adding “For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.” We conclude with an affirming “Amen.”.