“Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:11-13).
Most everyone has all that they need. Need, not want. Mind you, we are reminded of those who do not have, but is it need or want? Besides, if I had no home, no food, no extra clothing, but our Lord was with me, I would have all I need. Sometimes we are too focused upon things and forget that our Lord delivers us from evil and grants us all that we need. He redeemed us from the pit by His precious death and glorious resurrection.
Lord, by three powerful ideas in a couple of sentences You sum up how to live this life You have given me. I owe all to You. There is nothing I can give You that you do not already have except my heart. Guide me in the way of living this life so that I am gracious to others, charitable as possible, and forgiving of others as You have forgiven me. I do need Your help to do this, for this goes against the old Adam in me.
Lord Jesus, You do not make these things conditional; they are the reality of what kind of person I will become if I am to become like You. Guide me so that I learn how to be thankful for what You have given me, forgive others and avoid temptation. Keep me on the straight and narrow path so that I may grow in Your likeness and put into practice the heavenly things that You are teaching me. Amen.
