Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Mt 6:8)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus appears to tell the apostles to cut through all the red tape and get down to business when it comes to their relationship with God. He says to them, “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them.”
He then tells them that their Father knows what they need even before they ask.
Well, then, the question could be raised, “Why bother asking?”
Prayer is a powerful thing and evokes many changes. One of the realities that is changed in prayer is the person doing the asking.
God does know what we need even before we ask Him. However, the asking makes us realize our need for God.
As much as anyone would like to think, we are not in this alone nor can we do things without help — the help of others, and the help, ultimately, of God.
Prayer helps us to realize that we are not in charge. Prayer helps us to realize our relationship with God. Prayer helps us to put things in His hands and, in effect, have more peace in our lives.
FAITH ACTION: Whatever form it may take, make sure that you create a half hour out of your day today simply to pray. Do not worry about what to say or what to ask for, God already knows. He just desires your presence.