Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 19, 2025

Date: Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Matthew 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples:

"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. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

"This is how you are to pray:

'Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy Kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.'

"If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today continues our reading of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” as recounted by Matthew. In today’s passage, Jesus teaches His followers how to pray with humility. Jesus teaches the familiar “Our Father” and stresses the need for our forgiveness in order to receive forgiveness.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I pray? How do I pray? Do I humbly sit in the LORD’s presence and seek His will rather than my way? Am I willing to live the life I ask the LORD to give me?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You are always and everywhere, You are present to me and your love draws me to You. I look to You this day and all days to guide me as I seek to make my way choice by choice back home to You. Send your Spirit to help me in my choices, to aid me in recognizing and utilizing the gifts You give to me for your glory and for love of others. Grant that I may live the life your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, calls me to and modeled for me in His teachings and in His deeds. I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.