17TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Genesis 18:20-32

Psalm 138

Colossians 2:12-14

Luke 11:1-13

THE HEART OF CHRISTIAN PRAYER

Last week, we were challenged to always find time to sit at our Lord’s feet, listen to him and speak to him in prayer. Today’s readings bring us to the heart of Christian prayer. In effect, the first reading narrates the story of Abraham interceding for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah before God. For God wanted to destroy them because of their wickedness. The responsorial psalm is a prayer of thanksgiving to God who always listens to those who call him. In the second reading, St Paul tells us that we were dead because of our transgressions. But God has forgiven us and brought us to life in Jesus Christ.

In the gospel, one of the disciples asks Jesus to teach them how to pray. In response, Jesus does not only teach them “how” to pray, but also “what” they should say while praying. Hence, he gave them the prayer traditionally known as “The Lord’s Prayer” or “Our Father” Prayer. This powerful prayer, which can be said to be a compendium of the Gospel (Tertullian), has become the most ancient and widely used Christian prayer. Then, Jesus proceeded with a little teaching on prayer. 

I would like to highlight three things in today’s readings. First, the Lord’s Prayer does not only tell us who God is, but also who we are. We affectionately call God “our Father” because we are his children and He cares for us. It is through prayer therefore that we express our dependence and intimacy with him. Second, the Lord’s Prayer is a “WE”-Prayer, not an “I”-Prayer. This teaches us that like Abraham, we must not think only about ourselves while praying. Rather we should intercede for other, and pray with them and for them. 

Finally, the parable of the persistent midnight caller who kept badgering his friend invites us never to get tired of praying. It is true that praying is not easy, and maintaining a constant prayer life is even more difficult; but it is also true that a Christian cannot live without prayer. So, even when God seems to be silent and delaying, we should not be discouraged and give up. Trust, patience and perseverance are keys to open God’s treasury room. May we learn to trust God and pray always that his will may be done in our lives. Amen