With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matt. 5:4) O Lord, I suffer grief and loss. You alone are my comfort. Amen.
Word: Matthew 6:31-33
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the Gentiles seek after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Meditation
Whenever you read or listen to God’s Word, it always helps to pay attention to the verbs. Who is doing what. And in particular, what is God doing?
In these verses we hear your Father doing two things. First your Father knows. He knows you need food and drink and clothing. He knows you have a deadline coming up at work and about the oil change that’s overdue. He knows the hairs on your head and the years of your life. Your Father isn’t absent or checked-out. He knows.
And God gives. Your Father doesn’t just know your needs, but he meets them. Martin Luther wrote that not only has God created you, but that he daily and richly provides everything you need to support your body and life. And it’s all a gift.
God knows. God gives. You have a Father.
Prayer for Life as a Child of God
· For the Father to give me care and guidance.
· For forgiveness when I wander and want my own way.
· For the Father to keep me childlike in faith even as I age.
· For growth in faith, that I love and trust in God above all things.
· For strength to obey God.
· For the Father to heal my hurts.
· For assurance when I doubt.
Closing Prayer
Father, sometimes I wonder if you see me. If you know what I need. If you will come through for me. I trust in you Father. Forgive me and help me when my trust is weak. Amen.