The Our Father expresses our unity with all other Christians. Jesus does not tell us to call God simply “My Father” but “Our Father.” This subtle first word of the Lord’s Prayer reminds us that Christianity is not a religion of our own isolated, private relationship with God. Jesus did not come to save us as islands separate from one another. In reconciling us to God, Christ reconciles us to each other. He unites us as brothers and sisters under one heavenly Father, our Father.
Therefore, the Our Father is truly a prayer of the whole family of God, expressing our unity with all our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world and throughout time.
—from the book Praying the Rosary Like Never Before: Encounter the Wonder of Heaven and Earth by Edward Sri
We know there is power in the word enough. We carry this capacity to honor the present into every encounter and relationship, meaning that we honor the dignity that is reflected by God’s goodness and grace. Every encounter, every relationship, is a place to include, invite mercy, encourage, receive, heal, reconcile, repair, say thank you, pray, celebrate, refuel, and restore.
Jesus tells us that if we knock, the door will be opened to us, that all who come to him in prayer will get what they want. But this isn’t always the case, is it? Sometimes, our prayers are not answered. What does this say about God, and how do we reconcile this with our faith?
“We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 ESV
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Traditionally, this was the time each year when Christians set aside the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of putting ashes on the forehead to remind Christians of the importance of humility, that we are but dust.
Forty days symbolizes the time Jesus spent fasting and seeking God in the wilderness. Following His example, Christians were to dedicate this time to search their hearts, purify themselves, and seek God in a fresh way. Instead of focusing on spiritual renewal, many use this as an excuse for hedonistic revelry through events like Mardi Gras.
How much more important to remember all that Jesus did for us and reflect on our lives. We need to humble ourselves, be forgiven, and be reconciled to God.
We can rejoice that He remembers that “we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Allow God to search your heart and reveal any sin. If you have confessed your sins, you can be confident that you have been forgiven. How wonderful to be able to approach Him with a clean heart, freed from the burdens of sin and reconciled to Him!
Prayer
Father, search my mind and heart. Reveal any sins in my life. Forgive my sins. And help me to please You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
