do not babble like the pagans

“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.” (MT 6: 7-8)

There is always a temptation to think that Our Lord’s attention depends on our words. It is good to formulate our prayers in words; it helps us to be conscious of what we do, but we can express our love and trust as well as our hope and faith in our hearts and actions too.

“You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: Abba! Father!” (Gospel Acclamation)