Today's Gospel in Art - How to pray

Dear Jesus, by Kathy Fincher, 2011 © Kathy Fincher, artist

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 17th June 2021 - Matthew 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples: 'In your prayers do not babble as the pagans do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard. Do not be like them; your Father knows what you need before you ask him. So you should pray like this:

'Our Father in heaven,

may your name be held holy,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven those who are in debt to us.

And do not put us to the test,

but save us from the evil one.

'Yes, if you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either.'

Reflection on the Pastel Drawing

This drawing is by Kathy Fincher. Kathy was a National water-ski champion and represented the US in Japan as a show skier. She traded in her skis after having a change of heart following a Bible Study on marriage. Kathy became a stay-at-home mom and started painting and drawing. This drawing of a young girl praying conveys the beauty, innocence and simplicity of prayer. She may well be praying the Our Father, as Jesus is teaching us today.

In a way, I think the disciples didn't feel too dissimilar to this little girl. Maybe they didn't know how to pray? How are we to pray? What do we say? What do we ask for? The disciples must have had these basic, innocent questions, which the Lord's Prayer addresses. I would imagine that this is one of the very prayers that parents teach their children from a young age. Exposing children to prayer at a young age and the power of prayer brings, will open their hearts so that God can continue to shape and mould their hearts into future little soldiers for Him.

The Book of Proverbs states: 'Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it' (Proverbs 22:6).

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/840
Christian Art - www.christian.art