Breakfast With the Word Thursday 11th Week Ordinary Time of the Year Shorter Version
How to Pray
Matthew 6:7-15
We all pray, but Jesus teaches how to pray effectively. In today’s gospel, He warns against praying like the Pharisees or pagans who use empty words thinking more words equals more results.
3 key ways to pray:
1. Avoid empty phrases
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Empty means “contains nothing.” Faking sounds, acting out, or repeating meaningless words isn’t prayer. Jesus spent time in silence. Real prayer comes from the heart, inspired by the Holy Spirit — not performance.
2. Make it real
Prayer isn’t just reciting words without focus. It’s a true conversation with a living God. Engage your heart and mind, not just your lips. As Isaiah 29:13 says: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” God seeks worship in Spirit and truth. John 4:23
3. See it as talking to your Father
Jesus starts with “Our Father.” Come with love, respect, humility, and faith — not rushed or mechanical. Pagans thought they had to pester their gods with many words. 1 Kings 18:20-40 But God isn’t moved by word count. He’s moved by faith. Hebrews 11:6 Believe He exists and listens.
Prayer isn’t drama or a waste of time. It’s a real, heart-to-heart conversation with your Father. Mean it. Make it real. Pray with faith.
May God give us grace to draw close to Him, and may He answer your prayers beyond expectation. Amen.
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