Lectionary #463. Oct. 8, 2008

Scripture: Wed. of 27th week. Galatians 2:1-2.7-14. Psalm 117:1-2. Luke
11:1-4. Lectionary # 463:

Sometimes we need to pray slowly with few words. The Holy Spirit
directs and guides us even when we cannot pray. In Romans we read,
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to
pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for
words." (Romans 8:26).
Psalm 117 was Spirit inspired and it is the shortest Psalm in the
Bible. Because it is so simple and beautiful we pray it slowly. Then when
we read St. Luke we realize he has handed on the shortest form of the
Lord's Prayer consisting of four simple thoughts. Whereas Matthew's version
which we use in the liturgy is almost twice as long. We even add a
doxology that was not originally part of the prayer.
Covenantal love is central to the Psalm and its response. We pray
simply, "For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the
Lord endures forever." Love is that way. It expressed itself in simple
words like "I love you." That says it all. It is good for us at times to
pray in this short simple manner for even the Scriptures encourage this
form of prayer..
Luke sets the scene for the Lord's Prayer by telling us that Jesus
was seen at prayer by his disciples; one of them is moved to ask him to
teach them how to pray in that manner. He then gives them the prayer which
we call the "Lord's Prayer." It starts directly invoking the Father and
then moves quickly through four simple phrases that express adoration and
reverence for God's name. We then hear the longing for God's realm and the
need for nourishment each day. This makes us think of both ordinary bread
and also the Eucharist. Finally, again like the Psalm, we pray for
forgiveness and for compassion . The Lord has taught us how to pray; we do
not have to mumble or babble on with many words. Moreover, our words added
to these prayers are but commentary. Amen.