The scripture is taken from the Gospel for Tuesday of the first week of Lent. Matthew 6, 7 and 8. 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 such an interesting image of prayer in many ways.

We pray to tell God about a situation that we think he’s too busy to pay attention to. And we bring it up to him and say, there’s a need here, there’s a need here. And God is just perplexed by that. I think, in a sense, knowing I know the need you have, and I know the answer to that need. So instead of spending most of our time in asking God while we’re praying for things, take time to listen. Listen to what he’s saying, listen to the answer.

That will be the key to taking care of the need. That’s his promise. That’s who he is. Sa Sam Foreign Father, convince us of your attention and also your intention. You know what we’re going through, and you long for us to use it in a way that brings life to us and those around us. Help us to trust in you and most especially to listen to you.

And we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.