“Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ And he said to them, ‘When you pray, say:
“’Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.‘
“And he said to them, ‘Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him”; and he will answer from within, “Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything”? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.'” Luke 11:1-10
“Give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me.” Proverbs 30:8
Obedience always brings blessing. In Jesus’s teaching how to pray, He knows what we need before we ask, and that it is more than simply the object of our stated request. As those prone to wander, and to rely on the strength of chariots and horses, or personal smarts and chutzpah and attempts at brilliance, we need daily dependence on Him. What layered wisdom He has given from the time of the Exodus and His provision of manna to His prayer’s simple pattern- trust daily for daily needs! (Exodus 16:4-5,14-30; Psalm 20:7; Matthew 6:8)
God’s intentions are always deeper than we can see. As we pray and apply day by day, He nurtures, strengthens, and sanctifies us. To build faith among meandering emotions and whims, we need daily re-centering on His holiness and might, His supply, route, and purpose. Left to our fickle selves, we might turn to God only when and if it suits our perceived needs. (Deuteronomy 33:25)
How readily do I to seek and follow daily? What have I learned of God, and how have I grown spiritually as I have consistently obeyed?
“Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what he deems best–
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Ev’ry day the Lord himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares he gladly bears and cheers me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow’r.
The protection of his child and treasure
Is a charge that on himself he laid:
‘As your days, your strength shall be in measure’–
This the pledge to me he made.” ~Carolina Sandell (1865)
Lord, help me praise, trust, and obey You daily as You deserve.
As the rain and snow 