PRAYER

Isaiah 55:10-11; Ps 34 From all their distress God rescues the just; Matt 6:7-5

"In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them.  Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  This is how you are to pray."  Insert the Our Father here.

Here are few words from St Josemaria Escriva

"When you pray, pray slowly.  Consider what you are saying, to whom it is being said and by whom.  For that hurried talk, without time for reflection, is just empty noise.  And with St Teresa, i will tell you that, however, much you work your lips, I do not call it prayer."

Slow down.  Let the words echo upward and inward.  There are no better words that God wants echoing in his ears then the words of his son pressed upon our lips:


Our Father.....who art in heaven.... Hallowed be thy name..... Thy kingdom come...... thy will be done..... unearth as it is in heaven....Give u this day our daily bread....forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us....lead us not into Temptation....but deliver us from evil...

Slowly!  Thoughtfully!  Carefully! The words of the prayer are like healing balm for our souls.

In answer to the question why pray St Josemaria Escriva has this to offer, "That is why we go to pray: to become a bonfire,a living flame giving heat and light."