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The purpose of prayer is not just to tell God of our needs ('babbling' like pagans). He already knows what they are. Rather we pray so that we may be in a position to receive the good things that God, in His love, wishes to give us. The Lord's Prayer which Jesus teaches His disciples in today's Gospel is not just a list of requests. It is a prayer that the Reign of God become a reality in all our lives. In other words, we cooperate with God in realising the Kingdom of God on earth. It is a prayer for strengthening us to do His will. It is also a prayer to deepen our awareness of the centrality of God in our lives and of how we are to relate with each other - making sure that all have what they really need ('our daily bread') and that we live in unity, love and a spirit of reconciliation with all.
O Lord, give me the strength to work with You in bringing Your Reign to the world and especially into my own family and society.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That each one of the people of God and their pastors, may grow in their realization of the importance of the sacrament of reconciliation, the gift of God's merciful love.
Elaboration
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