Talk Less ...

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 

I don't share that passage to disparage anyone who worships differently. It's the second line—about the many words—that appeals to me.

I sometimes find prayer to be challenging or uncomfortable. It can feel presumptuous—asking for a lot. I get distracted and find my mind wandering. Even when I'm absorbed in it, it can feel like a lot of talking with no response—and do I ever actually slow down my monologue long enough to receive a response if one were given?

"Your Father knows what you need before you ask him." To be known and cared for, even when you don't always love or understand your own self—this might be most alluring promise that faith offers. I can't say that I experience this security and connection with any permanence or regularity. But maybe if I spent more practicing, I might.

The reading from Matthew continues with Jesus teaching us how to pray—what we call the Our Father. He covers all the basics: acknowledge God's power and goodness; ask that he provide for our basic needs—both physical and spiritual; ask for forgiveness, and promise to grant it; ask for help to stay away from sin.

Can it be that simple? With those basics down, maybe then, rather than talking, talking, talking, I can pause to listen. Who knows what I will hear?