Pray Without Ceasing

Tuesday of the 1st week of Lent 

Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 33(34):4-7,16-19
Matthew 6:7-15

In the realm of prayer, we express ourselves using diverse vernaculars and linguistic frameworks; however, it is the intent of the heart that God truly comprehends and attends to. When we align our hearts with the teachings of Jesus regarding prayer, we tap into the promise that God’s Word shall manifest itself as effectively as precipitation from the heavens:

“Our Father who art in heaven.” The divine communication from God nourishes and sustains: “Give us this day our daily bread.” God’s Word is instrumental in fulfilling divine intent: “Thy will be done.” Moreover, His Word will not return empty: “Thy Kingdom come.” The transformative power of God’s mercy can reform our hearts: “We forgive those who trespass against us.” Ultimately, God’s Word accomplishes its intended outcome: “Deliver us from evil.” It is imperative to note: if we extend forgiveness to others, our heavenly Father reciprocates; conversely, if we withhold forgiveness, we will not receive it either (Matthew 6:14-15).

The excerpt from today’s Gospel reading is both incisive and unequivocal: “The measure with which you measure will be used to measure you” (Matthew 7:2). The criteria for our eternal pardon and salvific status hinge upon our willingness to forgive those who have transgressed against us.

However, given our inherent human condition and the propensity to sin stemming from original sin, achieving true forgiveness is often insurmountable from a purely human perspective. As articulated in John 15:5, apart from Christ, we are incapacitated in our capacity to forgive. Therefore, it is vital to earnestly petition the Lord for the grace necessary to forgive others “seventy times seven times” (Matthew 18:22) who have inflicted harm upon us.

Fr Joseph Osho