Monday - Pray Like This
Welcome to Daily Prayer. This week, we're reflecting on the phrase, "Give us today our daily bread."
The first three prayers that Jesus taught are about the name, kingdom, and will of God. Now Jesus teaches us to pray for our daily needs. God is not removed from our trouble, and when we see rightly, we recognize that we depend on him for everything. He is a good Father who provides, hears our cries, and draws near. Oh Lord, help us to see.
As we begin our prayer now, let's take a few deep breaths and remember that God is with us.
Oh Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise.
A Psalm of praise from Psalm 145:1–8.
"I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name forever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love."
Lord, today we choose to meditate on your works and celebrate your abundant goodness.
A Scripture reading from Psalm 145:13–19:
"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.
The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them."
A time to rejoice in God's goodness and greatness:
Father, I rejoice that you are trustworthy in all you promise and faithful in all your ways. Lord, I rejoice that you uphold those who are weak and lift up those who are fallen. You draw near to those who call on you.
A time to acknowledge our needs:
Lord, we acknowledge that every provision comes from your hand, and we need you. We look to you because you are the source. We acknowledge that we are easily distracted and forgetful of all the good that you've done in our lives and in those who have gone before us. We repent and give you thanks.
Let's ask God for help:
Lord, today we pray, give us today our daily bread. Help us with those things that we need. Let's take a minute to call on the Lord in truth and ask him for wisdom and provision for today. Let's be specific. He will draw near.
As we listen to this Psalm again, listen to see if there's any way in which your mind or heart needs to be renewed by the truth of God's word.
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.
The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them."
Yield:
Lord, I yield to you as the true Lord and giver of life. I lift my eyes to you today, trusting you to provide all that I need. I say no to fear about tomorrow, and yes to receiving your open-handed provision today. I'm grateful, Lord.
Lord, fill us with your love. Help us to love you, and to love and see others the way you do. Give us grace and courage to do what you say.
As we end our time together, let's join in with the saints that came before us and the body of Christ around the world today by praying the Lord's Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.