Are you different after you pray?

Sister Mary Maloney offers a practical reflection on a part of Sunday’s Gospel, below.

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.” Luke 11: 1-4

Imagine the scene. Why do you think the disciples said to Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” What do you think they noticed that made them ask that question? Did Jesus look different when he prayed? Did he spend a very long time praying? Was he different with them when he came back from praying? Are you different after you pray?

Action: Try praying the familiar prayer with a new beginning “Our Mother, Father, God, who loves us more than our human parents ever could, may your name be honored.” Pray for someone you think needs help, such as someone you heard about on television or a family member who is sick or in trouble.

You can read more “Walkin’ with Providence Gospel reflections each week on our website.