Episode 1508: Jesus provided a model for prayer

Matthew 6:9-13 - The Lord's Prayer: Jesus provides a model for prayer.
I want to talk about the greatest prayer ever written and yes it’s the greatest because it came from the mouth of Christ.

Think out it. Every time we say the Our Father we are repeating Christs words. Isnt that amazing. We are repeating something that was said over 2,000 years ago. I cant remember what I said yesterday or even an hour ago. Its truly powerful.

I did an episode on the Our Father breaking every line down and I also covered it in “Our Father and Angelic Salutation”

Thus, therefore, shall you pray: Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
10 thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread;
12 and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
13 and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
The protestants add the following:

Since I never discussed this prayer from the perspective of the great saints lets do that now.

St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430): Augustine emphasized the depth and richness of the Lord's Prayer. He saw it as a comprehensive guide for all Christian prayers, containing all that is necessary for a believer to address God.

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274): Aquinas, a renowned theologian, provided an extensive commentary on the Lord's Prayer. He analyzed each phrase and provided detailed theological explanations, emphasizing the significance of each petition.

St. John Chrysostom (347-407): Chrysostom, an early Church Father, saw the Lord's Prayer as a model of brevity and power. He believed that in its concise form, it encompassed all that was necessary for prayer, teaching believers to ask for what is essential.

St. Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582): Teresa, a Spanish mystic and Doctor of the Church, emphasized the intimate relationship with God that is conveyed in the Lord's Prayer. She saw it as a conversation with a close friend and encouraged contemplation on its phrases.

St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200-258): Cyprian saw the Lord's Prayer as a unifying force for the Christian community. He believed that by praying this prayer, Christians were affirming their unity with the entire Church.

St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556): Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits, often recommended the use of the Lord's Prayer in his spiritual exercises. He saw it as a foundational prayer for deepening one's relationship with God.

St. Julian of Norwich (1342-1416): Julian, an English mystic, reflected on the compassion and mercy of God in light of the Lord's Prayer. She believed that God's love was central to understanding the prayer's significance.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux leez·yah (1873-1897): Thérèse, also known as the Little Flower, had a childlike approach to spirituality. She saw the Lord's Prayer as a simple yet profound way to communicate with God, emphasizing trust and abandonment to God's will.

Now lets focus further on what St Thomas Acquinas provided in his detailed commentary on the Lord's Prayer in his "Summa Theologica," specifically in the section on the Lord's Prayer (Part II-II, Question 83). Here are some key points from his discussion:

Invocation of God as Father: Aquinas emphasizes the significance of addressing God as "Our Father." He explains that this invocation establishes a sense of filial trust and confidence in God's benevolence and providence. It acknowledges the intimate relationship that Christians have with God through adoption in Christ.

"Hallowed Be Thy Name": Aquinas delves into the meaning of "hallowed be Thy name." He explains that this phrase is a petition for the glorification of God's name through the sanctification of His creatures. It expresses a desire for God's name to be held in reverence and honor by all.

"Thy Kingdom Come": Aquinas interprets this petition as a request for the coming of God's kingdom in two ways. First, it refers to the establishment of God's reign in the hearts of believers through sanctifying grace. Second, it anticipates the final consummation of God's kingdom in the eternal life to come.

"Thy Will Be Done on Earth as It Is in Heaven": Aquinas underscores the importance of aligning human will with the divine will. He explains that this petition expresses a desire for conformity to God's will in all things, both in earthly matters and in the heavenly realm.

"Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread": Aquinas interprets this request for daily sustenance as a petition not only for physical nourishment but also for spiritual nourishment. He sees it as a plea for the Eucharistic bread, which provides the soul with the spiritual sustenance necessary for salvation.

"Forgive Us Our Trespasses as We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us": Aquinas highlights the importance of forgiveness in the Christian life. He emphasizes that by forgiving others, believers imitate God's mercy and thus become worthy of receiving forgiveness themselves.

"Lead Us Not Into Temptation, But Deliver Us From Evil": Aquinas addresses the apparent paradox of asking God not to lead us into temptation. He explains that this petition is a request for God's guidance and protection against the trials and temptations that may lead to sin. It expresses a desire for spiritual strength and discernment.

Aquinas's commentary on the Lord's Prayer reflects his meticulous theological approach, emphasizing the profound spiritual truths embedded in each phrase. His insights continue to be influential in Christian theology and spirituality to this day.

So to my friend Jeremy, I think reflecting on this prayer is a great start back to the faith. God Bless!