Inclusive nature of the Lords Prayer

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week -  Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 6:7-15*

*First Reading - 2 Cor 11:1-11*

*Inclusive nature of the Lords Prayer*

*There is no "I", "My" and "Mine" in Lords Prayer*

*1) Focus of Our Prayer*

The moment we start praying, generally first comes, *I* *My* and *Mine* in our prayer 

For example : my family, my life, my children, my business, my achievements, my dreams, my plans, my health etc

It is a natural tendency to pray for our own self and those who are closely related to us 

This is more of self centred prayer, which makes us to think about our own problems, needs and intentions.

But the Lords prayer is quite different from this type of prayer. It could be called as I

Inclusive prayer

*2) Inclusive nature of the Prayer*

Inclusive means, including everyone or not excluding any one. So in Lords prayer all are included and no one is excluded 

This inclusive nature of the Lord's prayer makes this prayer very popular and very powerful 

This inclusive nature has made this prayer, part of our life. Our day begins with the prayer, ends with this prayer, any activity, work, function and anything else for that matter has this prayer. 

So this prayer has become not only popular but also very powerful 

*3) Inclusive aspects in the Lord's Prayer*

There is no *I* *My* or *Mine* in Lord's prayer 

Instead the Lord's prayer has the following words - *Our* *Us* and *Your* 

These above words show us clearly that that Lord's prayer includes everyone and excludes no one 

So when we pray this prayer, in fact we pray for all and not only for our needs 

*4) Selfish prayer and inclusive prayer*

Selfish prayer is the one which always concentrates on the self and needs of the self 

Inclusive prayer is the one which always highlights the needs of the community and helps us to pray for others 

Jesus prayer was always a inclusive prayer. Best example would be His prayer for the Disciples 

*5) How do I pray?*

All of us spend lots of time in prayer, which is something good and marvelous

But we need to ask one question - *How much time do I spend in my prayer, for praying for others?*

Is my prayer only centred around the self and my own people or family? 

*6) God hears our prayer when we pray for others*

God bless us when we pray for others 

The moment we are concerned about others automatically God answers our needs and bless us abundantly.

The moment we realise the power of praying for others, we will change our approach in praying 

*So when we pray for others, we pray for ourselves and when we pray only for our needs, our prayer has no much value*

Let our prayer be inclusive like the Lords prayer and not like the Pharisee, who was boasting about his own self

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*