At all times, but especially at, 1, morning, noon, and night; 2, in time of great temptation; 3, when receiving the sacraments; 4, when about to undertake anything important; 5, at the hour of death.
Which is the best of all prayers?
The Lord's Prayer; but though we say it a hundred times, it will fail to produce its beneficial effects if we repeat it thoughtlessly, without thinking of its meaning or purpose.
SHORT EXPLANATION OF THE LORD's PRAYER.
Why does this prayer commence with "Our Father?"
To encourage us thereby to a child-like confidence in God. as our Father, Who loves all men, and is ever ready to help them.
Why do we say, "Who art in heaven, since God is every where?
To admonish us to lift up our hearts to heaven, our true home, where God has set up the throne of His kingdom.
What do we ask of God in this prayer?
In the first petition, hallowed be Thy name, we pray that God may be known and loved by all men, and that His name may be glorified by a Christian life.
In the second petition, " Thy kingdom come," we pray God to enter and rule in our hearts by His grace, to spread His Church throughout the whole world, and after our death to award us eternal happiness.
In the third petition, "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven," we offer ourselves entirely to God, and declare our selves ready to be subject to the dispositions of His holy will, as are the angels in heaven, and pray to Him for grace to do this.
In the fourth petition, "give us this day our daily bread," we ask for all things which we need; for the body, as food and clothing, and for the soul, as grace and the divine word.
In the fifth petition, "forgive us our trespasses, as we for give those that trespass against us, we pray to God for forgiveness, but only so far as we forgive those that injure us. We must therefore remember that we shall not obtain forgiveness
