Today's Readings: New Testament -
Luke 11:1-13 / Acts 24
Old Testament -
Psalms 39 / Leviticus 5-7
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Luke 11:1-2
1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." 2 He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
Insight:
The desire to see God's kingdom come is at the heart of Christianity. In calling God my Father, it is essential that I recognize his holiness, accept his authority, and embrace his mission to save and restore. A true relationship with God should kindle my desire to see God's will accomplished on earth as in heaven; it should motivate me to actively take part in God's work to renew and redeem.
Response & Action:
When I pray, I will worship God as holy. I will remember that he is a loving Father. I will seek his will, keeping his authority and his mission in mind. I will cultivate my desire for God's ways and do my best to be an agent of God's blessing and restoration. I will pray for God's Kingdom to increase and for his will to be accomplished on earth. I will live as a Kingdom person and look for ways to serve, heal, encourage, help, and love others.
O God, thank you for being a gracious and Holy Father to your people. Thank you for Jesus who has brought the good news and power of your kingdom to me. By your power and mercy, help me through the difficulties and heartaches of life in this fallen world. Make me ready and quick to tell others of the many ways you mercifully bless and save. Bring your kingdom to earth, O Lord. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 7:21
21 Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Resources:
The Lord and His Prayer
by N.T. Wright
