Matthew's rendition of the Lord's prayer we take for granted. It's the Lord's prayer and that is that. But what might we gain if we take a few moments to understand what this prayer might mean for each of us individually. Call to mind an experience when something happened that has changed your life: an unexpected change of assignment; the failure of a promise to be be realized; the loss of a job; the death of a loved one. As you find yourself in this new "reality," how do you pray? What do you say to God about your change? Are you happy? Are you saddened? Are you frustrated? Are you angry with God? Imagine how Mary lived her life and her prayer after and angel told her God wanted her to take on a new "assignment." Or look at Joseph who must have wondered what what happening when he could not settle down for the first few years of his married life, moving from one place to another. How was he going to be able to support his family? He had no sugar-daddy who would send him a check or give him an American Express card to cover his expenses. Imagine the frustration and uncertainty that must have filled every day of his life until he was able to settle down and take care of his family.
These were the two people who taught Jesus how to pray as a young boy. Their experiences, no doubt, were significant parts of their teaching Jesus how to pray. For thirty years he prayed most of the time with Mary and Joseph. Again use your imagination: what an experience that must have been for the young Jesus. And so from these experiences of a child's first teachers, Jesus' own prayer was formed as he prayed to his Father.
And you? Return to the beginning of this reflection: what realities is my life now make up my prayer ... or have I ever thought of the "Our Father" in this light? Consider how your life may have been dramatically or significantly changed by the economic changes of the last few years. Most likely your prayer has changed. What is it now? "Thy will be done!" "Give us this day ...." "Lead (me) not into temptation."
Perhaps today the Lord's Prayer may be the source of new insight into how Jesus could one day, in response to his disciples' request to teach them how to pray, teach them how to pray with the richness and depth of that prayer. Hopefully it will lead you to know more of your own prayer ... your personal prayer to God, your Father.
