Prayer is so central to the lives of Christians as well as to most of our brothers and sisters of other faiths. However, our prayers are so often prayers of petition and intercession, asking God to grant us favours in times of distress.

Jesus teaches us today in the Gospel how to pray. He tells us not to use too many words as God the Father already knows what we need even before we make the request. Does this mean that there is no need of prayer? On the contrary, prayer is of utmost importance in our lives. Nevertheless, instead of only concentrating on prayers of petition or intercession, which are good in themselves, we should also add prayers of praise, thanksgiving and blessing to our communication with God.

We must be continually aware that it is God who directs our lives and knows what is best for us. We on our part, are to collaborate with Him and to accept His will for us.

We however, do not only relate to God but also with one another. In our human encounters, we are bound to have misunderstandings with one another. In His wisdom, Jesus has asked us to seek forgiveness and to forgive each other. It is only when we are freed from our hurts that we are able to serve more genuinely.