Readings: Isaiah 55:10-11, Ps. 34:4-7, 16-19, Matthew 6:7-15
“And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:7-8)
In this season of Lent, we are called to deepen our prayer life, spend more time in prayer, and increase our appreciation of prayer. Prayer is like medicine; when properly used, it brings us healing, but when not properly used, it fails to achieve the desired results. How do we know we are heaping empty phrases instead of praying?
1. When We Do Not Believe God Answers Prayers: When praying, our faith carries more weight than words. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Cf. Hebrews 11:6). Whenever we pray, we must remind ourselves of what the prophet Isaiah says: “As the rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water, the earth making it bring forth fruit, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)
2. When We Rush Prayer: Another sign of heaping empty phrases is failing to reflect on each word during prayer. Prayer is not a recital. There is nothing wrong with using structured (already-made) prayer. Jesus gave us one in today’s Gospel passage. However, in using a prayer book, our job is not merely to read out the words but to communicate with the words. Sometimes, prayer is meaningless because we are distracted. Whenever you notice this, pray about what you are thinking about. This way, you reduce the dissonance between your words and thoughts.
3. When We Do Not Respect God: We heap empty phrases when we pray without adoration or reverence for God. Prayer is an act of humility. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to begin with praises before asking for our needs. Recall the two men who went to pray. One praised himself, but the other man “did not raise his eyes” yet went home justified. Prayer reminds us of God’s greatness and our nothingness. We cannot force or command God. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to say, “Your Will be done on earth,” He demonstrated this during the agony in the garden.
4. When We Fail to Make a Commitment to Action: Prayer is empty when not backed by a decision to act rightly. Prayer is a relationship (an agreement, a covenant). It is only complete when we do what we have promised. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us, “You cannot take without giving.” Giving (helping others) is part of prayer. Forgiving the wrongs of others is part of prayer. “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.” Jesus taught us to begin with “Our Father” rather than “My Father” to show us that we are related. Jesus taught us to be reconciled before presenting our gifts to God (Cf. Matthew 5:24). Without love for one another, our prayers are empty phrases. How can you be asking God, your father, to kill your brother (fellow human being) because he hurt you?
5. When We Ask With Greed: Prayer is empty when asking to “pepper” others. Considering how greedy leaders loot our treasury, I wonder what would happen if we had a monopoly on prayers. We would not ask for “daily bread” but “generational bread,” forgetting that millions are roaming the streets hungry. According to St. James, one of the reasons our prayers are worthless is greed. “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:3).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may my prayers be pleasing before you. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 1st week of Lent. Bible Study: Isaiah 55:10-11, Ps. 34:4-7, 16-19, Matthew 6:7-15).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu