Wednesday, Week 11

The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
— Proverbs 15:8 (BSB)

Jesus taught that perseverance is the essential element in prayer.
— E.M. Bounds

Father, You have told us that we ought to learn to live by the day. You taught this lesson to Your people long ago by giving them manna, not in supplies to last for years — but day by day, enough only each day for the day. You taught us the same lesson by the lips of Your Son, our great Teacher, who commanded us to pray for our daily bread.

May You teach us how to live day by day. It is hard for us to learn the lesson. We grow anxious when we cannot see how tomorrow is to be provided for. We worry about tomorrow's bread and guidance and help. Teach us, Father, to trust You as little children. You have promised to take care of us. You are our Shepherd, and we shall not lack. You are our God, and will supply all all our needs, according to the riches of Your glory in Christ Jesus.

You who spared not even Your only begotten Son, who delivered Him up for us all — will surely with Him give us all needful things. You who have made us with so many needs of body and soul, will surely meet all these needs, if we will trust You and wait for You. You have promised that we shall not lack any good thing, if only we are faithful to You. Forgive us our feverish ways, and give us the spirit of trust.

Help us now to live this one little day without anxiety. Give us grace to do the one day's work well, and to trust You with all its care. Give us physical strength for our duties. Give us wisdom to make the right decisions and choices. Give us our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation — but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.