June 17, 2010
Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Till like a fire there appeared the prophet whose words were as a flaming furnace. Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; By God's word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. How awesome are you, ELIJAH! Whose glory is equal to yours? Sirach 48:1-4
In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:7-8
Piety
http://www.thenazareneway.com/lords_prayer.htm
The Lord’s Prayer
(A Translation from Aramaic)
Oh Thou, from whom the breath of life comes, who fills all realms of sound, light and vibration. May Your light be experienced in my utmost holiest. Your Heavenly Domain approaches. Let Your will come true - in the universe (all that vibrates) just as on earth (that is material and dense). Give us wisdom (understanding, assistance) for our daily need, detach the fetters of faults that bind us, (karma) like we let go the guilt of others. Let us not be lost in superficial things (materialism, common temptations), but let us be freed from that what keeps us from our true purpose. From You comes the all-working will, the lively strength to act, the song that beautifies all and renews itself from age to age. Sealed in trust, faith and truth. (I confirm with my entire being)
(Thanks to my friend Carlotta for sharing this link.)
Study
Our prayers never fall on deaf ears. Even before we recite them aloud, the Lord knows what is on our minds, on our lips and in our hearts. Do we even need to put these prayers into words? Of course we do!
We can not take anything for granted. If you do not have a technician service your furnace regularly, then in the winter, when you turn it on, it might not heat your home.
Jesus goes to great lengths to teach us how to pray to the Father. Do as I say. But he does not stop there. He also repeatedly demonstrates – through his own personal example – how frequently he prays to the Father. Many times, he goes off in private. Other times, one or more of the disciples are within range and can hear and report on Jesus’ prayer to the Father. Do as I do.
Action
Our actions build out of a life of piety and study. If not, then it would just be social work with no religious foundation or cornerstone.
Reflect on the Lord’s Prayer and consider what love-in-action response it inspires for you this day. Perhaps there is a human service, health, environmental, arts, or other cause that is looking for your volunteer support. Consider supporting it with your time, talent and treasure.
For example, over the last 58 days, the images of the people, land and wildlife in the Gulf Coast states affected by the BP/Deepwater Horizon accident and spill have been burned into our hearts and minds. Spend some time on The Nature Conservancy's The Gulf: Ways You Can Help (http://www.nature.org/multimedia/features/art31637.html) resource section for the latest from Conservancy bloggers -- spread the word that one of North America’s most treasured places needs our help.
