Eldho Augustine csc –
Readings: Gal 2: 1-2, 7-14; Lk 11: 1-4
In today’s gospel, we see Jesus teaching his disciples to pray. Prayer is an essential part of our life. We need to pray to relate to God, who is our Father and the author of our life. We need to go to him as a child goes to his father.
It was the regular custom for a Rabbi to teach his disciples a simple prayer that they might habitually use. John had done that for his disciples too. What could have made the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray? Is it only because of the custom? I would say no. Prayer was an integral part of Jesus’ life and mission. He is a true teacher of prayer and gives us a model of prayer. His relationship with his Father in prayer was the core success of his life and ministry. The disciples saw Jesus in prayer on several occasions. This brought in them the desire to pray and ask Jesus to teach them a prayer like John taught his disciples to pray. Jesus did not teach his disciples on his own rather they desired to learn to pray from his master.
Let us ask; have I ever desired or longed to pray? Do I long for a prayer relationship with the Father? Does my prayer life inspire anyone to come closer to God?