SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 17)

The story in Luke, found also in Matthew, of Jesus teaching his disciples to pray reminds us of the value of persistence and offers us the encouragement and reassurance that God’s love is so much more superior to human love that only the simplest examples of mercy can describe it.

Several truths emerge from this Gospel story, the undisputed one being that Jesus prayed and prayed often. Again and again we read of his going away to pray, of his withdrawing from the crowds in order to pray. The disciples saw the results of his frequent and regular praying in his healing actions and unforgettable words. They recognized that he knew something about prayer that they did not possess. So one of them asked for help: Teach us how to pray.

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