A nd when you pray, do not pray like a hypocrite. A hypocrite loves to pray standing in the church and in places to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, that is the extent of their reward. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep repeating mantras as they do in those religions invented by the worshipers themselves. They think they will be heard because of their many sounds. Do not be like them. Remember that your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

You know how some religious leaders preen themselves while praying in public. This is something with which we are all familiar. Quite honestly, sometimes I question the value of public prayer at all. Certainly there must be value when it is lead by one who prays to God with or for the people instead of to the people. I myself have felt drawn into the presence of God by such prayers. Yet, clearly here and in the case before, at least a part of Jesus’ point is that faith is a private thing, a secret thing known only to God and the individual. God sees in secret; the reaches of the heart where I suffer most. What joy, what relief this brings!

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come and your will done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Lead us away from temptation, and deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

A simple, uncomplicated prayer. While God abides in heaven, Jesus wanted us to know that he is our Father, a term of endearment, a term of closeness, a term of kinship. He is not removed or distant. He is adored, celebrated and revered. The certainty of his coming kingdom and irresistible will is without recourse, subject to his absolute discretion not only on earth but also in consummation of the entire universe, the entirety of being. Yet as he feeds the marmot and clothes the bougainvillea in scarlet, so shall he provide our daily needs. However far we think we stray from him, his grace follows us, forgiving us, cleansing us and teaching us that this is how we should treat others who in like manner, violate our love for them. He gives us the strength to war and ultimately triumph over evil. For his is, indeed, the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. All of this, in a simple, uncomplicated prayer. I venture to say that the world millennia hence, shall remember this prayer, and shall offer it upon their lips and from their hearts. Amen.

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