Verse of the Day 1/16

Verse of the Day 1/16

 

 Matthew 6:11-12 Give us this day our daily bread,  12 and forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

It is written of St. Augustine that, before his conversion, prayed for patience with a condition : "Lord, give me patience, but not yet".  It sounds to be brutally honest and it reveals the condition of the unrepentant, un-submissive heart.  Can we admit that we sometimes, perhaps often, pray conditional prayers with a "not yet" attitude?

 

When you read today's verses it may be easy to overlook the heart of the person who will be saying this prayer.  He asks for forgiveness after he's forgiven others.  The forgiving of others first, before seeking it of our our own tresspasses reveals the repentant, submissive heart.

 

Thomas Brooks writes, "Prayer is a divine worship whereon, we speak to God in faith, humility, sincerity, and fervency of spirit, through the mediation of Christ, begging those good things that we and others lack, and giving thanks for what we and others have received."

 

That kind of heart, that kind of praying "will keep us safe from ourselves and the devil" (The Message).

 

Blessings,

Mike
Follow the verse of the day at http://www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com/

 

Matthew 6:11-13

The Message (MSG)

^7-13 "The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best—
    as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
    Yes. Yes. Yes.