Thursday November 3, 2022

Today is Thursday, November 3rd, and this week we are studying the words of Jesus in Matthew chapter six.

I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to quiet my mind, and to focus on the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

God Most High, I give you thanks and praise for your greatness. Fill my heart, mind, and soul today. Transform me to be more like your son, Jesus. In his holy name, I pray. Amen.

I praise the Lord God with the words of Psalm 145.

All your works praise you, Lord;
your faithful people extol you.
They tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
so that all people may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises
and faithful in all he does.
Psalm 145:10-13

Pause and Pray

In chapter six of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has been speaking to the crowd about God’s provision for his children. After illustrating God’s care for his creation, he urges listeners to turn away from the false promises that the world offers and trust that God will give them everything they need. Instead of conforming to the patterns of the world, Jesus tells us to follow his ways and have faith in him to be righteous. The Jewish audience would have understood righteousness as keeping God’s commandments. Today, we know that in Christ, we are a new creation. We are made righteous in Jesus and the Spirit transforms our brokenness into holiness of heart and life.

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

Jesus wants my whole heart. When my heart is divided, it leads to unrest and anxiety simply because my perfect God and the broken world are at odds. Until the day Jesus returns and creation is set free from its bondage to decay, I long to seek God’s righteousness by letting him reign in my heart. Jesus certainly wants me to join him in mourning over the sins and miseries of mankind (Matthew 5:4), but he does not want me to worry about frivolous material things. God knows everything I need and will not fail to give it to me.

Ask: What worry do I carry with me today that I could release to God? What area of my life might God be asking me to let him in?

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, transform my heart. Help me seek the kingdom of God above all else. Let all material things be laid aside as I seek to live in the righteousness of Christ. I reread the words from Matthew and seek your message for me today.

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

Ask: What image, word, or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

I listen for the prompting of the Holy Spirit today as I keep this passage of scripture hidden in my heart. I will keep my eyes open to see God at work in my life.

Pause and Pray

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen. (1989 United Methodist Hymnal)

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

I leave this time of prayer thankful for my savior, Jesus, and ready to spread his kingdom on earth.

Amen