Scripture Reading
Matthew 6:7-8
"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
Reflection
Jesus strips prayer of its performative scaffolding. We do not inform God of our needs — he already knows them. We do not impress God with our eloquence — he is not moved by rhetoric. What prayer does is align our hearts with our Father's, opening us to receive what he already intends to give. Simplicity in prayer is not laziness; it is trust.
Prayer for Today
God of wisdom and compassion, you create eventual blessings out of every kind of evil. Make us instruments and agents of such creation as we strive to turn the post-9/11 challenges into opportunities and blessings for others and ourselves.
Amen.