The words of the Lord " in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words”. are echoed by Saint Benedict when he tells us: “If we wish to prefer a petition to men of high station, we do not presume to do it without humility and respect; how much more ought we to supplicate the Lord God of all things with all humility and pure devotion. And let us be sure that we shall not be heard for our much speaking, but for purity of heart and tears of compunction”.The prayer which springs from that purity of heart and tears of compunction is the Lord’s prayer.
This prayer teaches us the right relationship between God our Father and our neighbour. Saint Benedict highlights an aspect of this teaching when he says:
“that the lord’s prayer is to be said in the hearing of all. The purpose of this is the removal of those thorns of scandal, or mutual offence, which are wont to arise in communities. For, being warned by the covenant which they make in that prayer, when they say Forgive us as we forgive, the brethren will cleanse their souls of such faults”.
The Lord’s prayer has the power of transformation as expressed in Scripture "my word that goes forth from my mouth shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it”.
Let us strive to come to a deeper understanding and knowledge of the Lord’s prayer which has the power to renew us, sanctify us, forgive our sins and lead us to the kingdom for whose coming we pray.
(Written by Abbot Cuthbert Johnson.)
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