Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 11, 2024
Luke 11:1-13
1 Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 Jesus told them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom. 3 Give us the bread we need for today. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who has wronged us. And don’t lead us into temptation.’” 5 He also said to them, “Imagine that one of you has a friend and you go to that friend in the middle of the night. Imagine saying, ‘Friend, loan me three loaves of bread 6 because a friend of mine on a journey has arrived and I have nothing to set before him.’ 7 Imagine further that he answers from within the house, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ 8 I assure you, even if he wouldn’t get up and help because of his friendship, he will get up and give his friend whatever he needs because of his friend’s brashness. 9 And I tell you: Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 Everyone who asks, receives. Whoever seeks, finds. To everyone who knocks, the door is opened. 11 “Which father among you would give a snake to your child if the child asked for a fish? 12 If a child asked for an egg, what father would give the child a scorpion? 13 If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Good Morning! Thank the Lord for all Good Gifts!
This is a full passage this morning! Let’s focus on the Lord’s Prayer.
The disciples had witnessed Jesus going off by himself to pray many times, and He spoke to them about the importance of talking to God. Like us, the disciples were unsure how to pray.
Jesus taught them to pray by first addressing God: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be the name. Next, we lift up God’s kingdom and His power on earth and Heaven. Then we begin our petitions like nourish us and forgive us our sins. We ask for strength to do God’s will, and then close with a restatement of God’s power and glory. Amen
This is a formal format to help us shape our prayers. Our prayers can be as simple as Dear God, I love you. Help me! Forgive me! Thank you. Amen
The great part of praying is that God hears all our prayers: the fancy ones, the long ones, the short, simple ones, and even when we can’t form real words. God is always listening! Rejoice always, pray continuously, and give thanks in all things.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We wish to be refreshed. Help keep our source nourished. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God is listening!
Take time to pray! Pastor Liz