Pope Francis' General Audience: English summary

Dear Brothers and Sisters:  In our continuing catechesis on the “Our Father”, we now turn to the first of the seven invocations, “hallowed be thy name”.  Here we see the pattern of all prayer, which is always made, on the one hand, in contemplation of God, and on the other, in a sincere supplication for our needs.  When we speak to God, he already knows us better than we know ourselves, for even if God is a mystery to us, we are not an enigma in his eyes.  He is like a mother for whom a simple glance enables her immediately to perceive the condition of her children.  A first step in prayer, then, is to entrust ourselves to God and his providence.  This leads us to pray: “Hallowed be thy name”, where we not only express our trust in God’s greatness, but also ask that his name be sanctified in us, in our families, our communities and the whole world.  We can do this because it is God who sanctifies and transforms us by his love.  Prayer casts out every fear, since the Father loves us, the Son lifts up his arms to support ours, and the Spirit works in a hidden way for the redemption of the world.

I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those from England, Wales, Norway and the United States of America.  Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke the Lord’s blessings of joy and peace.  God bless you!