Tuesday of the First Week of Lent
Matthew 6:7-15
To Pray Is to Speak with the Heart

During this Lenten season, we are reminded of the importance of prayer—not just as a religious obligation but as a living conversation with God. Too often, we reduce prayer to a list of requests, as if we are withdrawing blessings from a divine ATM. But God is not just a giver of favours—He is our companion, Father, and guide.

Genuine prayer involves more than just spoken words; it’s a heartfelt dialogue. We need to differentiate between merely reciting prayers and engaging in true prayer. While saying prayers holds importance, authentic prayer encompasses sharing our lives with the Lord, being open about our challenges, joys, and aspirations. Regardless of whether we pray silently, through song, or with soft whispers, our hearts should always be connected to God.

Some people often feel, “I just don’t have the time to pray.” But if we take a moment to recognize God’s presence in all that we do, our lives can become like a beautiful prayer—filled with the love in our work, our challenges, and even our moments of suffering. When we pray, it’s as if everything sparkles and changes for the better.

Prayer is also the path to forgiveness. We all know how difficult it is to forgive, especially when we have been deeply hurt. Forgiveness requires grace, healing, and spiritual growth. We must bring our wounds before the Lord in prayer for the healing we need. Forgiveness and prayer are inseparable prayer enables healing and strengthens us to forgive. When we forgive, we find peace.

Let this Lent be a time when we learn to pray with sincerity, with our hearts and our lives.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025