October 29

Morning

So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. — Matt 6:9 BSB

This prayer begins where all true prayer must—by acknowledging our relationship with God as His children: "Our Father." There can be no genuine prayer until we, like the prodigal son, resolve, "I will arise and go to my Father." This childlike spirit, as it prays, soon recognizes the holiness and grandeur of God—our Father who is in heaven—and is drawn into reverent adoration: "Hallowed be Your name." The humble cry of "Abba, Father" grows into the deeper worship of "Holy, Holy, Holy" as we reflect on God's majesty.

From this place of worship, we naturally turn to a missionary spirit, born from our love for the Father: "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." True filial love for God always leads to a desire to see His will accomplished on earth as it is in heaven.

Next, we express our dependence on God, recognizing Him as our provider: "Give us this day our daily bread." Then, as the Spirit enlightens us, we acknowledge not only our dependence but also our sinfulness, and we ask for mercy: "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors."

Having received forgiveness and knowing that we are accepted in Christ, we humbly ask for holy perseverance: "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." The one who is truly forgiven desires to walk in holiness and avoid sin. Justification naturally leads to a longing for sanctification.

Finally, the prayer concludes with a triumphant declaration of praise: "Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen." We rejoice that our King reigns in both providence and grace, and we look forward to His eternal dominion.

This prayer guides us from a sense of adoption into fellowship with our reigning Lord. Lord, teach us to pray in this way!

Evening

But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. — Luke 24:16 BSB

The disciples should have recognized Jesus. They had heard His voice so often and seen His face so frequently that it seems astonishing they did not know Him. But is it any different for us? Have you seen Jesus lately? Perhaps you have been to His table but left without truly encountering Him. Or maybe you are in the midst of a dark trial, and though He whispers, "It is I, do not be afraid," you struggle to recognize Him. How often are our eyes blinded! We know His voice; we have leaned on His bosom and yet, though Christ is near, we find ourselves crying, "Oh, that I knew where to find Him!"

We should know Jesus better by now. We have the Scriptures, which reflect His image, yet how often do we open that precious book without glimpsing the Beloved! Dear believer, is this your experience? Jesus walks through the pages of Scripture, desiring to commune with us, yet we miss Him! He is always there, yet we struggle to see Him.

Why is this? The answer is often unbelief. Like the disciples, we may not expect to see Him, and so we miss His presence. In spiritual matters, we often receive what we expect from the Lord. Faith alone can open our eyes to see Jesus.

Let this be your prayer: "Lord, open my eyes that I may see You with me!" It is a blessing to seek Him, but oh, how much better it is to find Him! To those who seek Him, He is kind, but to those who find Him, He is unspeakably dear!