Day 36
Pray Like Jesus
Reflection By: Anonymous

When you pray, do not babble like the pagans. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Throughout the years, my prayer life has seen many ups and downs. Anytime I have chosen to really draw into the season of Lent, I usually have prayer pretty well worked out by day 36. But is it just babble? I don't think so and yet in today's reading Jesus is clearly warning us. So I wonder. is my prayer just idle or foolish chatter? If I take a step back and truly remember that my Father knows what I need before I ask, then yes, I guess much of my prayer is just babble.

It is overwhelming to realize that God, our awesome God, knows us better than we know ourselves. I suppose this is no different than the way I felt about my children when they were very young. I found it difficult leaving them with anyone because I was certain I was the only person who understood them and knew what they needed. I was deeply and lovingly protective of them. So also is our Heavenly Father of us. Psalm 139 beautifully paints the picture of God's perfect knowledge and love for us. I have often turned to this Psalm in times of confusion and distress but today I can read it in the light of praise. To know I have a glorious maker that is deeply and lovingly protective of me brings me comfort and joy and I need not babble on in prayer. How wonderful it is when my prayer is just being with God and listening.

This year, as I head into the Triduum, I am clearing out the babble. I am focusing on the praise and thanksgiving that is due. I am letting go of my lists and spending more time listening. I am learning to rely on the 4 simple words Jesus taught his disciples; ' thy will be done' . And, I vow to cherish the love and knowledge that my Heavenly Father has for me. How Great Thou Art!