Pray then like this...

In the Gospel for today's Mass (Mt 8:7-15), our Lord Jesus teaches us how to pray. He begins with, "Pray then like this: Our Father…" Father! Our Father! Who is this Father to whom His Beloved Son tells us to pray? We want to know, and we find out as we ponder Our Lord's words in other passages from Matthew's gospel.

Father, who calls us to be perfect as you are perfect (Mt 5:48)…

Father, who knows what we need before we ask you (Mt 6:8)…

Father, who sees in secret and rewards us accordingly (Mt 6:14)…

Father, who gives good things to us who ask you (Mt 7:11)…

Father, who counts even the hairs of our heads (Mt 10:30)…

Father, Lord of heaven and earth (Mt 11:25)…

Father, who has given all things to your Beloved Son (Mt 11:27)…

Father, in whose kingdom the righteous will shine like the sun (Mt 13:43)…

Father, who like a good shepherd seeks us out when we are lost and rejoices to find us (Mt 18:12-13)…

Father, who wills that not one of your little ones should perish (Mt 18:13)…

Father, who commands us to forgive each other from our hearts (Mt 18:35)…

Father, who did not spare even your Beloved Son from drinking the cup of suffering (Mt 26:36-42)…

Father, in whose name your Risen Son sends us forth to make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19)…

Father, we adore you,
Lay our lives before you,
How we love you!