“Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Luke 11:3-4)
In The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom writes about her first experience with death. She begged her father not to die because she couldn’t live without him. Her father asked her, “When you go to Amsterdam, when do I give you your ticket?” She replied, “Just before I get on the train.” He said, “Exactly. And your loving father in heaven knows when we’re going to need things, too. Don’t run ahead of him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need – just in time.”
We need the bread of life and food daily. Looking beyond today causes anxiety because God doesn’t travel into the future with us. We should pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” We are also to pray, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” God promises to forgive and take away our sin when we ask in prayer. In return, he wants us to forgive also. We intend to forgive, but it’s not always possible. We should all seek forgiveness. When we pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” we ask not to encounter evil on the road where He leads us. God does not intentionally lead us into temptation, but evil is everywhere, so we must ask God to keep the enemy away.
Dearest Father in heaven, I’m in awe of Your creation, the sunrises and sunsets and the perfect operation of the universe. Bless me with your Bread of Life and help me love others today as I follow your will, working to increase Your kingdom. Forgive me when I fall short and help me forgive also. In the name of Jesus, keep the enemy out of my life and out of my home. I pray in the name of the One who died for me, taking away my sins. Amen.
I watched a beautiful sunrise this morning. It was foggy and the patches of fog, the sun and color made a beautiful combination! God forgives us when we pray and in return we are to forgive. This is sometimes easier said than done. I always try because I do not want to carry the burden of hate. I forgive easily most of the time but sometimes it is a long process. I love the Lord’s Prayer, it makes me feel peaceful and loved.
I love the miracle of sunrise. You must have been up early this morning. You’re right, hate is a burden and we feel much better when we forgive. If the hurts are big, forgiveness takes longer.