The Beatitudes are the conditions or decisive choices for entering the Kingdom of Heaven. The Our Father is the summary of how we are to pray. The model for prayer.
We focus on God first: We pray...
For God's name to be recognized and treated as holy.
That all people submit to God's reign.
God's Will be done in heaven and on earth.
We focus on ourselves: We pray...
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Do not subject us to the final test. My strength goes only so far.
Deliver us from the evil one.
Sin is all around us. The war tools of engagement by the devil are temptations. With humility we acknowledge our weaknesses, frailties and our feebleness in combatting the devil, the world and the flesh. And we ask God for help.
Do we seek out the temptation? Let's see... Some radio stations spew hatred, abortion, sexuality, homosexuality, and anti Catholic. In the privacy of you tube, Netflix, Apple, etc we can get into serious problems watching the movies. Some talk shows claim to be Catholic but critical thinking tells us otherwise. Books can lead us to think negatively, or believe all that is written though it may be propaganda.
At times, temptation comes looking for us. On our own we cannot fight our battles; only God can fight for us. We pray for help, guidance to keep watch over us and that we are never allowed to stumble.
Avoid situations of temptations. Work on our patience and kindness, avoid being boastful or conceited, rude or selfish, offensive or offended when slighted. Pray because our souls depend on God's help.
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