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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 24, 2005 I CAN SAY AND DO WHAT JESUS WANTS |
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Frontline Devotion for Thursday, February 24, 2005 By
Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
The children in our church’s Sunday School program are busy memorizing the
Lord’s Prayer. As each child memorizes it, we have a special gifts for
them; a small token to communicate how important we believe this prayer is.
I’m not sure when I officially learned how to say the Lord’s prayer- whether
it was formally taught to me or whether I simply “caught” it by going to
church each week. For me, some of the faith is “caught” in the process
of being in church and around other Christians.
The Lord’s prayer is indeed an important prayer. We sometimes can forget
it’s importance because whenever we worship (in my tradition); the Lord’s
prayer is said. It can be easy to zoom by it without pondering all it’s
words and phrases.
The thing I have had thrust upon me recently is having two of my children (one
already learned it) learning it at the same time. In the Gospel of
Matthew, the disciples begged Jesus to teach them to pray. They
weren’t simply looking for a prayer to insert into a religious service.
They were looking for insight into how Jesus prayed; how they could grow closer
to God; and what kind of things we should talk to God about on a daily basis.
Let me just say- my two children who are learning (and actually have learned)
this prayer are casting that prayer in front of me on a daily basis. It
seems as if 5 or 6 times a day, I am hearing a version of the Lord’s prayer
that is not said with warp speed but with careful attention to each phrase.
I listen in as Becca or Drew begin reciting the words
Our Father, who art in heaven. . . .
Hallowed be thy name. . . . .
Thy kingdom come. . . . . thy will be done. . .
On earth as it is in heaven. . . . . ..
Give us this day our daily bread. . . .
And forgive us or trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. . . .
And lead us not into temptation . . .
But deliver us from evil . . . .
For thine is the kingdom . . . and the power
And the glory . ….
Forever and ever . . . Amen
Each time this prayer is completed, it is followed by a big smile each time and
a look of pride on their face. The big grin recognizes that this is a big
deal. Becca at one point, upon completing her daily recitation of the
prayer said to me, “I can say and do what Jesus wants.”
I can say and do what Jesus wants! I take note of the connection between
saying and doing. Prayer is about more than words. It’s about
learning to trust in God so that your deeds and words align. We must
remember that point- we can say and do what Jesus wants.
As the smile at the end of my children’s prayer bears witness- “saying and
doing what Jesus wants” brings personal joy but also healing and wholeness to
others. Isn’t that what Jesus would want?
Lord, you have taught us to pray. For that I am so thankful. In the
words of memorized prayer, remind us that you have taught us to have ongoing
conversation with you. Bring smiles to our faces and teach us to say and
do what you want in this world. Amen
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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