The Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:7-15) is the pattern of all prayers. The "Our Father" shows that prayer needs to be simple, as an expression of our faith and relationship because God who is "our Father knows what we need even before we ask Him" (Matthew 6:8).
The "Our Father" is not merely the pattern of all prayers, but the pattern of Christian life itself. It is a programme of life where we live in the world as God's children.
Forgiveness is central to Jesus' programme. It is the nucleus. Without it, this programme has no sense. The disciples of Jesus is called to imitate their Master, especially in forgiving others. Besides this, as the prayer itself would witness, they are invited to a deep relationship with God, their Father ("Abba"). This is the Abba experience that results from following this spiritual project. The disciples seeks not their things, but God and His Kingdom. There is also a great amount of trust that the disciples show in having God as their Father: that God will provide every day for their needs—daily needs. Moreover, God’s word is their greatest nourishment in their lives of trust. They are asked to die to their egos (false selves). Finally, the base of any spirituality is saying no to sin, and yes to God Mystery. Also a big no to the sensational, if one is interested in maturing as a disciple.
Let us learn from Jesus how to pray, and also how to live. "Lord, teach us to pray, and to live."
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