Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Matthew 6:7-15)

Heavenly Father, Your Son teaches us not to pray with empty words or restless repetition, but with trusting hearts that know You already see, You already love, You already provide. Free us, Lord, from prayer that is only on our lips and not in our lives. Teach us to stand before You as children, simple, sincere, and confident in Your mercy.

Our Father, holy is Your Name. May Your Kingdom come into our hearts, into our families, into our world wounded by division and sin. Let Your will be done in us, even when it asks surrender, even when it leads us through the cross.

Give us this day our daily bread, the bread of the Eucharist, the bread of Your Word, and the bread of what we truly need for body and soul.

Forgive us our trespasses, for we confess how often we fail in love. And as You pour mercy upon us, soften our hearts to forgive those who have hurt or misunderstood us. May we never ask for mercy while refusing to give it.

Lead us not into temptation, but guard us in times of trial. Deliver us from evil, from pride, resentment, and fear, and from all that separates us from You. Father of love, make our prayer authentic, our forgiveness sincere,
and our trust unshakable.  Amen