Learning
from Jesus how to pray means entering into his boundless trust, joining in his
prayer, and being led by him, step by step, to the Father. [2607-2614, 2621]
The
disciples, who lived in community with Jesus, learned to pray by listening to
and imitating Jesus, whose whole life was prayer.
Like him, they had to be
watchful and strive for purity of heart, to given up everything for the coming
of God’s kingdom, to forgive their enemies, to trust boldly in God, and to love
him above all things.
By this example of devotion, Jesus invited his disciples
to say to God Almighty, “Abba, dear Father”.
If we pray in the Spirit of Jesus,
especially the Lord’s Prayer, we walk in Jesus’ shoes and can be sure that we
will arrive unfailingly in the heart of the Father.
495-496, 512
There are two parts to a prayer of petition:
assurance that the prayer will be heard and absolute renunciation of an answer according
to one’s own plan.
KARL RAHNER
(1904-1984, German Jesuit and theologian)
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