Dear God, it is very dark outside, for I have risen early so that I can talk, pray and worship with an uncluttered mind, and before the business of the day takes over. I am thankful to be able to begin with the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. Matthew 6: 9-13 “In this manner, therefore, pray:
‘Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors,
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen’
I note that this beautiful prayer has much more depth than I can attribute to the words, when I almost unthinkingly repeat them. I now understand more deeply that when the words are prayed with the full mind and heart engagement, of a surrendered person who understands their sinfulness and need, I can be challenged and changed by God. It will mean that I come acknowledging that God Almighty is Supreme, and owns the world, and can do all things. He does not force my submission, yet loves to hear and answer my smallest prayer. When I really grasp what Jesus is saying about His Father, and how absolutely sinful I am, I will then truly approach God reverently, because physically and mentally I am bowed submissively before my beautiful Father, God. In my heart and on the earth, the order of His Kingdom is the only answer to our sin problem, and the chaos it has caused and is causing. I sincerely pray that Jesus will come soon, and the black consequences of our ‘tempter’ Satan, will be for ever ended. In the words of Jesus our hope is valid, ‘for Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.’
Even though we seem so self-sufficient in this western world, where food is always available in abundance; it is God that makes the crops grow. In scripture we are told, that before the end of the world, Satan is allowed to show what he is really like, and as a result, much famine and hunger will come, and has come increasingly. Then for we spoilt ones, our prayer will be heartfelt as we pray ‘give us this day our daily bread’; as it is already, for those who grow what they eat, and do not rely on a shop to buy provisions. With hunger stalking so many people, just like me, I realize there is no point dwelling on small life irritations, or the provocations of others in my life, but instead, on using Gods loving provision to me, to bless others as I share my substance and sincere prayer for myself and others, to fulfil the promptings of God.
Dear Jesus, how I love Your teachings, and long to be more attune with them, and take courage, that I can be; as I surrender myself and plans to You each day, believing that my prayer is answered. For I know nothing was ever asked of us that You will not deliver to the heart and mind that is humbly sincere. Matthew 5: 3-10 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Again the implications of living a life that will reap the promised blessings of Jesus, is profound. It would mean I lived as He did; and I know He blessed all with whom He interacted. Jesus I pray today, that You will take my sin damaged self, and fill me with Your beautiful presence and be my strength, so that I can be blessed and more often be Your blessing. I acknowledge that of myself I cannot make this happen, and pray that I be strengthened to be more surrendered to You, so that You can work with me, change and use me. Amen