"Let none look down on you because you are young . . . but be an example to the community in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

This month’s topic:  “Go Ask Your Father!”

It seems as if everyone has heard of the Lord’s Prayer.  As Catholics, we also call it The Our Father.  Either way, it’s important to understand where this prayer comes from, and what we are asking when we say this prayer.

THANK YOU JESUS!

(excerpted from The Catholic Faith Handbook, second edition)

If you were to write an essay entitled “All I Really Need,” what would you write about?  Well,  it may surprise you to learn that Jesus gave us a basic outline for our essay, and He gave it to us in the form of a prayer.  At the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:9-15), He taught His disciples seven petitions (requests), commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer.  We call it the Lord’s Prayer because the Lord Jesus Christ gave it to us.  Because this prayer is a summary of all we need to live the Christian life, the Church teaches that the Lord’s Prayer is a summary of the entire Gospel.
The Lord’s Prayer is very important in the prayer life of Christians for two reasons:  first, it comes to us directly from Jesus, and second, this prayer lays the foundation for all our desires in the Christian life.  In fact, it is referred to as the “quintessential (or the perfect example of) prayer of the Church” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2776), which is why the Lord’s Prayer is said almost any time Catholics gather.

Hey Dad, can you help me?
Chances are, you’ve prayed this prayer hundreds, even thousands of times.  But have you ever really thought about what you’re saying?  The Lord’s Prayer begins with the words, “Our Father who art in heaven”.  Then seven petitions follow.  A petition is a request for God to do something for us.  But because Jesus gave these petitions to us, they are more than just simple requests.  They teach us what we really need to live holy, happy, moral lives.

The opening words help us place ourselves in the presence of God, in the proper fram of mind,  The first three petitions (requests) are theological; that is, they are point us toward God, to help draw us closer to God and His glory.  The last four petitions point us toward human need.  They teach us to ask for what we truly need, not just for ourselves, but also for the whole human family.

Points to Ponder:

Top Ten Ways for Seeking God’s Will:

When faced with a difficult decision, either at home or at school, or with friends, do you think of asking for God’s help?  Christians use the word discernment to refer to the process fo choosing the best loving action, with the help of the Holy Spirit.  As faithful Catholics, we should try to always include God in our difficult and important decisions.  Here are some ways to discern a decision you are trying to make:

1. Pray about it!  Ask God for the grace to make a good decision.
2. Put it in writing.  Clearly state the decision you want to make.
3. Do your research.  Gather solid information and ask people you trust (your parents, teachers, youth ministers, etc.)
4. Consider your options.  List the pros and cons and the importance and possible consequences of each.
5. Use your imagination!  Imagine what benefits and problems might result, not just for yourself, but think of how your decision will affect others, too.
6. Tune in to your feelings.  Reflect on how God mght be speaking through your attractions and desires.
7. Make your decision and offer it to God.  Ask God to help you live up to your decision.
8. Look for fruits of the Spirit.  Watch for qualities like charity, peace, patience, faithfulness,and self-control.
9. Stay open.  Be willing to make adjustments as you live out your decision.
10. Persevere.  Make discernment a part of your life  Always invite God into your decision making process.

(All information contained herein can be found in greater detail in The Catholic Faith Handbook For Youth, Second Edition, Saint Mary’s Press.)