Jesus said: “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.” We may wonder sometimes why God doesn’t listen to us, or why doesn’t He give us exactly what we are asking -- what we pray for? Some people even give up on prayer, or lose their faith in God because of that. So, Jesus in the Gospel reading today explains why: “your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Read that carefully -- it is not about what you want but what you need. God knows what you need, God knows what is best for you. You may want many things in this life, and you pray for them. But sometimes God doesn’t grant you your wish because, again, it is not about what you want, but what you need. Remember Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane when He prayed: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Instead of using too many words in our prayers and instead of bombarding God with our requests, we should simply ask God to help us fulfill his will in our lives.
