Devotion
The Lord’s Prayer
Frances Taylor
Luke's version of the Lord's Prayer has not been handed down as the traditional prayer that we pray, but it really doesn't make much difference. Although we pray the Lord's Prayer, it was given as an example of how to pray. Think about what it says. We should begin our prayers by praising God and giving glory to his name. We let him know how important it is for him to reign over both heaven and earth, and that his will be followed as faithfully here as in heaven. Once we have praised God and his plan, we can ask God to fulfill our needs. We also ask God to forgive us and we promise to forgive others. We recognize that temptation is all around us and that sometimes we fail to do the right thing and so we ask God to watch over us and protect us from evil. Have you ever tried to follow the format of the Lord's Prayer and write your own? I once was working with a group of adults and asked them to write their own as an assignment. I challenge you to write yours. You might be surprised at what you learn about yourself and what you believe about both God and prayer. Too often, I believe that we skip right to the list of requests, prayers of petitions for our own needs and the needs of others, without taking the time to praise him first. We might pray for forgiveness, but do we really mean that we will forgive those who sin against us? How many times have we prayed that God help us avoid temptation? Although I am sure that when we get into a mess, we ask for deliverance! Let us learn to pray as Jesus taught us.
Prayer
Lord, you have given us a formula for prayer as well as an example that we may use when our own words fail. May we never forget to praise you and thank you for all that you have done for us. Amen.
Night Prayer
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Inspiration
We face many choices throughout our earthly lives and come to the Lord seeking His will. We intend to make good choices and fail without His direction. We must listen carefully and obey His instruction even though we disagree or fail to understand His reasoning. We are limited in our wisdom and will rely on our Creator when it comes time to make decisions.
Prayer
Dear Father, we have multiple decisions to make in our lifetime. Whether big or small, we will come to You for direction and always seek Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Evil Prosper
Frances Taylor
This is such a common complaint! Why do the evildoers prosper and the good so often don't? Of course the answer is pretty obvious, those who don't care how they succeed, who are willing to lie, cheat, step on others to get what they want, get it. Often those who do the right thing are the ones that are stepped on. God does hear the cry of those who do the right thing, but people don't always get the answers that they want, or they don't see them. Eventually, those who get to the top by illegal or immoral means get found out. We don't always see their fall from grace because others cover up the issues so that the whole structure of a company won't collapse. Other times, we all know what happens because it makes the front page of the paper and the news. The truth will out, as they say. It can be difficult to watch while it is happening, however, especially if we are the ones getting stepped on! I suppose it doesn't help to know that this has been ...
Morning Prayer
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Inspiration
Like the great men of faith of the past, all Christians (even of mustard-seed-sized faith) are strangers (that is, "foreigners" ) and pilgrims (that is, "travelers just passing through" ) on the earth.
Prayer
O Father, you have chosen us out of the world to yourself, and we are of a Heavenly nation though living on the earth. We are foreigners to those who do not know you, and our ways from you are foreign, strange, and offensive to them. We are also pilgrims, for this world is not our permanent home. Help us to live for you in the midst of a strange and hostile land, always remembering our true country is above. Amen.
