Matthew 6:9-13 (NRSV)
"Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.
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Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
- Matthew 6:10 (NIV)
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EACH morning I read my daily devotion and the Bible in Spanish, which is not my first language. But reading the Bible in Spanish helps me to pay closer attention. My mind doesn't wander far because simultaneously translating and understanding are difficult for me. At the close of my devotions, I pray the Lord's Prayer in Spanish, focusing each day on a portion of it so that someday I will be able to pray it easily, from my heart, not only from my mind.
Today I was concentrating on the phrase, "Your will be done." I pray the Lord's Prayer every day in English, but I don't always think about the meaning. When I prayed these words today in Spanish, I heard them in a new way -- and they said what I needed to hear. I am in a mixed-up time in my life. I am between jobs, and I am not used to being without work. What is God calling me to do? Should I continue in a similar line of work? Should I try something completely new?
Remembering that the prayer "Your will be done" is sufficient, I have gone about the rest of my day with more peace and security. Despite all the questions I am asking, I am confident that the path ahead will be lit by God's grace.
Gracious Lord, give us confidence that you will guide us to the right decisions as we try to do your will. As Jesus taught us, we 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. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."* Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Read a favorite Bible passage in an unfamiliar translation of the Bible.
-- Avis Hoyt-O'Connor (Maryland, USA)
PRAYER FOCUS:Those Who Are Unemployed
