DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
We fear that we often begin our prayer with petitions for ourselves, and put our daily bread before your kingdom, and the pardoning of our sins before the hallowing of your name. We would not do so today, but guided by our Lord’s model of prayer, we would first pray for your glory; and here, great God, we would adore you. You have made us and not we ourselves. We are your people, and the sheep of your pasture. All glory be unto you, Lord, the only living and true God.
Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)
“Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward.” (Matthew 6:5)
These religionists were not seekers of God, but seekers after popularity; men who twisted even devotion into a means for self-aggrandizement. They chose places and times which would render their saying of prayers conspicuous. The synagogues and the corners of the streets suited them admirably; for their aim was “that they may be seen of men.” They were seen. They had what they sought for. This was their reward, and the whole of it.
Lord, let me never be so profane as to pray to you with the intent of getting praise for myself.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
Parents, teach your kids the Bible in 2024
Like many of you, I’m a parent. One of my greatest desires for my kids is that they would give their lives to passionately following Jesus. More than just “getting them into heaven,” I want my kids to have a life-transforming relationship with God that will shape their lives today (and forever).
In a world of distractions, kids need the Bible more than anything. Parents, you are better equipped than anyone to teach it to them.
So here’s my challenge to parents: read the Bible to your kids every day of 2024.
No matter how old they are,
No matter how busy you are,
No matter how unqualified you think you are…
Let’s make 2024 a “Year in the Word” for our families.
Ready to take the challenge?
Find (free and paid) resources to help you on GodCenteredFamily.org.