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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Saturday, August 23, 2003 |
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Devotion for Saturday, August 23, 2003 By Pastor Justin
Note: A second devotion will be sent in the next few days with Matthew 13:47-14:12 as the text
“ Oh…dear God…thank you. You are such a good God. To us. A kind, and gentle, and…accommodating God. And we thank you oh…sweet, sweet Lord of Hosts for the…smorgasbord you have so…aptly lain at our table this day, and each day, by day. Day, by day, by day. Oh, dear Lord, three things we pray…” (Ben Stiller from Meet the Parents)
Has this ever happened to you? Ever been asked to pray for Thanksgiving dinner, or in front of some large group, and realize that you have no idea what to say? And as much as you try to add “thee” and “thou” and every other King James word you can think of, it just doesn’t come out right? Guess what, you’re not alone! I think everyone (including me) gets at least a little nervous when we pray. After all, you’re talking to God!
But Jesus tells us we don’t have to be Shakespeare to talk to God. In fact, he says that can get in the way of our dialog.
And that’s why Christ gives us the Lord’s Prayer. It’s so simple, yet it covers everything we need. Look at the Lord’s Prayer below. In just a few sentences, we praise God, ask for forgiveness, and request His support and salvation. If Christ’s model of prayer is simple and straightforward, then why do we always put so much pressure on the vocabulary we use?
The thing is…it’s God after all. He knows you better than you know yourself. You don’t have to impress him. He knows all your faults. Just talk with God. Be honest, and open yourself up.
Prayer for today (pay close attention to the words and think about how they’ll apply to your life today)
Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the power, and the glory, forever and ever, Amen
Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily.. They will also be posted to the web site if you want to direct others to our web site for more information. Sign up by clicking on the box below
All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org.