Praying with the Our Father

Take some time to read through the passage, Matthew 6:6-15, then return to this reflection. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

The Our Father/Lord’s Prayer as a 

Model for Prayer

It guides us in how to position ourselves, internally and externally.

We find a place where we can quiet our minds and hearts – perhaps it is a quiet corner of our home, a favorite spot in the park, or a pew in the Cathedral.

It reminds us of our relationship with God.

We open our hearts, minds, and souls to God, who hears and knows all. God, as Our Father, like all parents wants to hear our voice, telling Him of our day, our wishes, our dreams, our joys, our hurts. 

While God knows all and love us, God wishes for us to seek Him in conversation.

It offers a model of how to pray, the content of our prayer.

We offer adoration and praise to God – for His will, His Kingdom, His glory. We praise Him for who He is.

We ask for the needs we have – our daily bread, we ask for what will see us through this day, this moment.

We ask for forgiveness – and we ask for the grace to forgive others.

We ask for grace and strength – for the courage to face the temptations, big and small in our daily lives.

It reminds us of prayer’s role in our life and our community.

We pray not only for ourselves and our needs, but we pray for others. We pray that our hearts may soften, be more grace-filled as we interact with others. We pray to change our hearts so our words and actions may show God’s mercy more fully.

For your reflection 

What stands out, challenges, comforts, or otherwise speaks to you in this passage?

How do you pray?

Do you have a place or places that you feel closest to God? Why is this place so meaningful?

Which of the type of prayer content speaks to you? Why?

What helps you to talk with God?

What hinders your conversations with God?

How can you grow in your relationship with God between now and our next gathering?

Jennifer Delvaux
Director of Faith Formation

Share your thoughts below or on social media, tagging Holy Name Cathedral and using #SeasonOfMercy.