Matthew 6:9 (ESV) — 9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

Do you remember praying as a kid? I don’t remember when I began praying, or why, but I do remember some of the prayers I regularly prayed. There was the typical bedtime prayer: “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.” Honestly, not too sure about the theological accuracy of that one.

But there was also the traditional mealtime prayer: “God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food.” It always bothered me that “good” and “food” didn’t rhyme, but it was sufficient for the occasion, and quick enough that we could dive into the delicious meal before us without having to wait too long. I eventually came to learn that the extended version of this prayer included: “By His hands we all are fed; give us, Lord, our daily bread.” That, actually, is a pretty great prayer, but I never really thought about it.

And therein lies an issue that Jesus deals with in this Sunday’s passage, Matthew 6:7-15. Even as adults, we can slip into “saying our prayers” each day as a ritual to be checked off our to-do list, instead of viewing times of prayer as a gateway to authentic intimacy with the Father, which is one of the deepest needs and richest blessings in the Christian life. As you prepare for worship on Sunday, read these verses and think about how Jesus’ teaching here can bring needed rejuvenation to your prayer life while at the same time meeting your deepest needs.

Can’t wait to worship with you Sunday!  Be sure to listen to the worship set as you prepare for worship.

Pastor Brett

 

SUNDAY AM PLAN
9:00 AM  – Worship Service On Campus & Online (Lancaster Campus)
9:15 AM  – Worship Service On Campus & Online (Myerstown Campus)
11:00 AM – Worship Service on Campus & Online (Lancaster Campus)

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