Today is September 4.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 6.  
 

“This, then, is how you should pray:  
          ‘Our Father in heaven,  
         hallowed be your name,  
      your kingdom come,  
         your will be done,  
         on earth as it is in heaven.  
      Give us today our daily bread.  
      And forgive us our debts,  
         as we also have forgiven our debtors.  
      And lead us not into temptation, 
         but deliver us from the evil one. 
  
  
This is, for many of us, a familiar prayer. Simple, even. How is your prayer life these days? Are you regularly turning to the Lord, speaking to him, and listening? 
  
Listen again to this prayer, the prayer model Jesus gave to his disciples and to us. Try to listen to each line, really being attentive to what the scripture is saying. Pay attention to what word or phrase stands out to you today. 
  
If you are feeling disconnected with an intentional habit of prayer, take some time today to think about how you might reengage. For some, simply writing out this prayer, from Matthew 6, every morning would be a great start. For others, starting a simple journal of conversation with the Lord could be helpful. Keep in mind that Jesus orients to something incredibly important in just the first two words: we are praying to Our Father! He is good, and gracious, and generous, and he loves you as a good father loves his children.   
 
Music: Our Father - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)