Monthly Archives: April 2023

Day 34: Saturday, April 1, 2023

Pray

Scripture: Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:9-13 NRSV)

Devotion: Many people are uncomfortable with public prayer for various reasons. It could be that they were never taught how to pray, or the person may fear public speaking. The disciples asked Jesus how to pray, and he then taught them what we know as the Lord’s Prayer. But prayer is more than formatted words and petitions. Prayer is not a monologue, and more than a conversation. Prayer is also listening and putting ourselves in the hands of God and listening to God’s voice in the depth of our hearts.

I am reminded of the five-finger prayer, which was shared a few weeks ago during our Children’s Time. It is a way to remember whom to include in our prayers. The thumb is the closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you. The next finger is the index or pointer finger. Pray for those who teach and point you toward God. The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders and world, national, state, and local officials. The fourth finger is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the most vulnerable, the sick, the poor, the marginalized, or those afflicted with problems. And finally, we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.  

Prayer: God, continue teaching us how and who to pray for.

Amen

AW