Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
Matthew 6:6
Day Six of Lent: Tuesday of the First Week of Lent – Matthew 6
Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him – Matt 6:6.
Today’s Lenten Reflection
Do you remember when you were little and your mother would tell you to stop doing something even though she couldn’t see you? “I have eyes in the back of my head” she would say, and you knew she meant it. She must have! Today’s Gospel leads us to reflect on God and His omniscient role. Most of us imagine our Lord as being quite busy, tending to all sorts of different matters both in the spiritual realm and here in the physical one. Yet, God knows every sin, sorrow and silly situation taking place in your life and every other person’s life around the world: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” Jesus says in the Gospels (Matt 6:8).
Because of God’s omniscience, because He knows all things, it is tempting to ask ourselves why we need to ask God for anything if He already knows. Can’t God just come to our rescue without us having to ask for it? We find the answer in the next verse when Jesus explains to His disciples how to pray. Even though words are not necessarily needed, they are encouraged. To this end, Jesus gave us the Our Father prayer as an example. Many learn this prayer as children and is no doubt one of the most powerful prayers repeated this side of Heaven.
So while God certainly knows what we need before we say anything, He does desire for us to pray. He wants to hear from our mouths what is on our hearts and to be in constant communion with Him. This demonstrates not only our faith in Him but our trust in His providence. Not to mention, sharing with God draws us closer to Him and He closer to us. This inevitably forms a beautiful bridge between our hearts and His, between earth and Heaven.
Day 6 Lenten Meditation
At some point during your day today, pray audibly the Our Father Prayer. Pray it slowly, thoughtfully, prayerfully. Ponder each line separately and reflect on these powerful words given to us by Jesus Himself. Then later in the day, sit in silence with no words. Feel God’s presence, heart to heart. How do those two methods differ? Does one make you feel closer to God? Does one feel more natural, more comfortable? Continue experimenting with different methods of prayer in the days and weeks ahead while keeping in mind that God already knows what you need but He wants you to come to Him in prayer. In so doing, He promises to forge a deeper and stronger relationship with you — and this is where miracles happen.
Lenten Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing our prayers both spoken and unspoken and for knowing our hearts even when we are not in prayer. Thank You also for desiring to communicate with us just as we desire to communicate with You. Through our prayers Lord, we trust that Your will, Your Word, and Your answer will be accomplished. As we move through this Lenten season, please help us to desire above all things that Your Holy Name be glorified, Thy will be done, and that Your Kingdom come. Amen.
Today’s suggested Penance
Spend 10 minutes today slowly meditating on the Our Father prayer.
“Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything” –St. Teresa of Avila.
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