Jun 15: Prayer Changes Us

Icon of the Pharisee and the Publican

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

“When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him (NRSV, Mt 6:7-8).”

Father, when we pray to you, it is not to get your attention, because, through your Word, you are always present to us and you know all of our needs and desires. Indeed, Father, you always answer our prayers even before we utter them, because in every situation you offer us your life in the Holy Spirit and the possibility to grow in that life.

May our prayers rather change us than you, Father, that we may use your life and power effectively to serve one another now and together come to the fullness of glory with you, our only true future, in the world to come.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.