Fed 2!

Fed 2!

Give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew 6:11 KJV

As I read today's extract, I look at the context of which the words were spoken, and two lessons quickly come to mind:

1. A life of prayer can never be replaced with a public life of service. I can be known and celebrated as a man of God by the crowd around me, but it is my private life of prayer that will define me to God. When God knows you, it doesn't really matter who else doesn't. If God doesn't know you, it doesn't also matter how many other people know you.

2. Prayer is a fundamental part of my life as a Christian. I do not pray because I want to change God's mind, butI pray because He commands it, I have seen the benefits of it in my personal life, and I have come to know God personally from speaking to Him daily. That is why the context of today's extract is WHEN, not IF you pray. It is not really a choice, but something that is expected of me.

So, what do the words of today's extract mean? The lessons continue:

3. There is a model of prayer laid out by the One I am required to pray to. If He tells me how to speak to Him, is it not foolishness to think I can still speak to Him if I use another method? No matter how attractive or popular the methods are, if they are not laid down by God, He will not heed or listen.

4. The One who answers the prayers is referred to as 'Our Father'. This is a sign of blood relationship, and the blood of Jesus is that connection that makes it possible for me to refer to God as my father. No matter how much I call Him so, without the blood, it is just a call.

5. The manner of approach matters. I come to God by worship, and an acceptance of who He is. That is the first step to all that God is and gives. The Lord's Prayer nails down the fact that God is the Lord of all, and He is all I need. How do I make a demand on a God that I do not accept His Lordship over my life? There is no room for hypocrisy here, as God can't be deceived by external piety that is empty of sincere devotion.

6. Yesterday's provision isn't going to last till today. There is a fresh supply for every day. Yesterday's miracles belong to yesterday, and I need to ask God to give me all that I need for today. I also cannot be asking God for provision for tomorrow that I have not yet seen, so it means that I must be content with the provision of God for the day He has given me grace to see. Why worry or fret about what is past, or what has not yet happened? 

Of fundamental importance is this question here: do you know the Father of this prayer? He seeks a personal relationship with you? Does He know you as His own? Is He God in your life? Remember, this life will not always continue like this. An end has been promised to all that we see and know today. Whilst there is time, make sure God knows you are His own. Your eternity will be glad you did. His time of favour is here.