Expression of Love

How do lovers act?

7 [a]In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.[b] 8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 [c]“This is how you are to pray:
Our Father in heaven,[d]
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,[e]
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
11 [f]Give us today our daily bread;
12 and forgive us our debts,[g]
as we forgive our debtors;
13 and do not subject us to the final test,[h]
but deliver us from the evil one.
14 [i]If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.-Matthew6:7-15

How do pagans pray? Perhaps a recitation of prayers hoping that a petition will be answered. Or perhaps a kind of monologue. Jesus is not saying lengthy prayers is wrong, just that we ought not to babble. Jesus is not saying our prayer should be short. What good will it be if it doesn't come from the heart? Will God turn His ear away from somebody who prays with all sincerity and pure intentions even if it is lengthy or wordy? Jesus is teaching us that we should pray with sincere heart, mind and soul, and to pray with simplicity. Jesus captured this in the Prayer He Himself taught us - the Our Father.

How do lovers act? There are many ways especially if love is sincere: finishing work quickly to make it in time for a dinner date, beaming with happiness upon seeing the loved one, braving the forces of nature to keep a date, never a dull moment, wishes that the date will last forever, contented with the presence of the loved one, listens attentively, speaks freely, expresses love, silently satisfied, etc. I think this is how we should be in prayer. For me, prayer is a date and a moment with God. For me, it is not an obligation or a burden, but a moment of love, a moment where we can express love, a moment where we are supposed to be excited and beaming or at least looking forward to it. Jesus captured this in the Prayer He Himself taught us - the Our Father.

Image courtesy: S. Dewey (Praying Jesus)