Tuesday of 1st Week of Lent – Is 55:10-11; Matthew 6:7-15
God knows what I need. Before I even ask Him. But does this mean that I shouldn’t tell God about it? Should I remain silent about what is so dear to my heart?
I don’t know. Perhaps the point is not to try to charm God with words. Because it’s not the words that count, but the heart that trusts God. That’s probably why only one of the requests of the Our Father prayer that Jesus teaches concerns human needs: give us our daily bread. The rest is worshiping God: let everyone treat You as holy, let people recognise You as their Ruler, let everyone always do Your will. And then, after this the request for bread, which is also worship of God, because we show that we need Him, two more requests in which we acknowledge our dependence on God: a request for forgiveness and a request not to be tested by allowing temptations. . .
Shortly after this, in the context of concern for material possessions, Jesus will say something similar: “Seek first the kingdom and its righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” I guess I just have to have different priorities in prayer. How can I do this when I have such urgent needs and I want God to fulfil my requests so much? I don’t know, I don’t have a good recipe for it. I’m still learning about God; I’m still learning to say “yes” to Him. Although I’d rather have it my way.
Father who art in heaven, please make me carry Your desires within me. May I desire first to realise Your kingdom in my life, where love and grace reign. May this gift be given to the whole world. Amen.