Day 7 ~ Wednesday First Week of Lent

Opening Prayers:

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and Confiteor (see Day 1 for full text of prayers).

Scripture Reading (Matthew 6:7–15):

"And when you are praying, speak not much, as the heathens. For they think that in their much speaking they may be heard. Be not you therefore like to them, for your Father knoweth what is needful for you, before you ask Him. Thus therefore shall you pray: Our Father, who art in heaven… For if you will forgive men their offences, your heavenly Father will forgive you also your offences. But if you will not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your offences."

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel gives us Christ’s teaching on prayer and the model He gave: the Our Father, the most perfect prayer. Jesus warns against mechanical repetition or vain verbosity in prayer, as the pagans did, believing their gods would respond to many words. Instead, He tells us our heavenly Father already knows what we need. Prayer is not to inform God, but to open our hearts to Him in humility and trust.

St. Augustine called the Our Father “a summary of the entire Gospel.” Every petition aligns our soul more closely with God’s will. When we say “Thy will be done,” we are conforming our desires to divine Providence. When we say “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive,” we actively commit ourselves to mercy. These aren’t empty words, they are a spiritual commitment. Jesus attaches a powerful condition: If you forgive others, you will be forgiven; if not, neither will your Father forgive you. Thus, the very effectiveness of our prayer hinges on our willingness to forgive.

Forgiveness is not a feeling; it’s a decision to let go of resentment and will the good of the other. Many of us struggle with forgiving past hurts. During Lent, we are invited to ask God for the grace to forgive—even when it’s hard. We might begin by simply praying for those who have hurt us. As St. John of the Cross wrote: “Where there is no love, put love, and you will draw out love.”

Jesus also highlights simplicity in prayer. As St. Teresa of Avila taught, prayer is “nothing else than a close sharing between friends.” We need not impress God; we need only to speak from the heart. The saints often recommend slow, thoughtful recitation of the Our Father, pausing on each phrase, allowing it to penetrate the soul. Consider doing this today: meditating on each petition as your personal offering of trust and obedience to God.

Lastly, as we pray “Give us this day our daily bread,” we not only ask for material sustenance but also for the Bread of Life, Jesus in the Eucharist. Let this remind us of the importance of attending Holy Mass whenever possible during Lent and making spiritual communions if we are unable. St. Thomas Aquinas taught that even spiritual communion, made with desire and love, can bring many graces.

Let today be marked by sincere, simple, and trusting prayer. In our petitions, in our silence, and most of all in our forgiveness of others, we reflect the heart of the Father to whom we pray.

Closing Prayers:

V: O Lord, hear my prayer.

R: And let my cry come unto Thee.

V: Let us bless the Lord.

R: Thanks be to God.

V: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

R: Amen.