Teach Us to Pray

July 27, 2025

In today’s Gospel, one of Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples to pray.” Jesus gave to them, and to us, the Our Father, or the Lord’s Prayer. This is one of the first prayers that we learn as children, but we should not see it as just a prayer to be said.
   
Actually, the Lord’s Prayer is an entire school of prayer.  The catechism of the Catholic Church is divided into four major sections. The first is the doctrinal section, which uses the Creed as the basis for teaching the Church’s doctrines. The second explores and explains the teaching of the Church on liturgy, using the Mass and the seven sacraments to explore how Jesus is present when the Church prays. Thirdly, is the moral teaching of the Church, using the Ten Commandments as the basis of morality. The fourth and final section uses the Our Father to explore Christian prayer. Each phrase and word is significant in teaching us how to pray.

I suggest reading the part of the catechism which reflects on the Our Father. You will find that it offers great insight into prayer.
—Fr. Mike Comer

Sunday, July 27, is the World Day of Prayer for Grandparents and the Elderly. The feast was declared just a few years ago by Pope Francis. He wanted to honor those who have come before us and who have contributed so much our families and our culture and Church. Let us keep them all in our prayers.