Thursday November 12, 2020

Begin this new day by praying this prayer out loud. As you are able, consider kneeling as a physical expression of your commitment to Jesus as Lord of your life and the one you desire to lead you this day. Alternatively, you might consider placing a hand over your heart as you pray this prayer.

God of rescue and restoration, thank You for Your great and beautiful mission in the world. Here I am Lord, fill me with Your Spirit and send me.

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:16-18

You may have heard the saying, “How you do anything is how you do everything.” I’d take that a step forward. Why you do anything is just as important, if not more, than anything you do. The “why” matters as much, if not more than the “what.”

Jesus is teaching his followers about how to live a life of faith. He tells his followers don’t be like the “hypocrites.” It might be better read “Don’t be like the actors/pretenders.” Their focus is on the performance before human eyes. Instead, practice faith in such a way that draws you closer to God in secret. When you do this, your reward will be more substantive than anything another human can give you.

Jesus believed this private time with God was essential to our faith life. Today, how might you create space to have time alone with God?

When you are finished with your time of reflection, close out this time with this prayer.

Father, help me to live this day to the full,
being true to You in every way.
Jesus, help me to give myself away to others,
being kind to everyone I meet.
Spirit, help me to love the lost,
proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.
Amen.