Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Ps. 143:8
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Isa 55:1-2
Heavenly Father, I cannot think of a better way to begin (and continue!) every day than feasting on the gospel. Lay the big breakfast buffet of your steadfast love before me; give me multiple portions of new mercies, fulfilled promises and living hope. Overfill my cup with living water, for to you, I life of my soul.
Father, there’s no nutrient I need more than the fresh manna of your grace. Nothing tastes as sweet as the assurance of your kind welcome, life-giving presence, and endless affection. I’ve never met a carbohydrate I didn’t like, but just send me ample supplies of the Bread of Life I’ll be a satisfied man—far better than that, I’ll be a different man.
Indeed, Father, I’m not just looking to be a satisfied consumer of the gospel. I need your unfailing love for the challenges of the day—this day. Apart from the gospel, I’ll whine more than I’ll worship. Apart from the gospel, I’ll judge people more than I’ll seek to understand them. Apart from the gospel, I’ll get my feelings hurt quicker than I’ll be careful not to offend others. Apart from the gospel, I’ll spend more on myself, than I’ll be spent for others and for the advancing of your kingdom.
Apart from the gospel, I’ll react selfishly to irritants, rather than responding graciously. Apart from the gospel, I’ll talk more than I listen. Apart from the gospel, I’ll think about me much more than I think about you. Apart from the gospel, I won’t risk anything; I’ll do just enough to get by. Apart from the banquet of the gospel, I’ll be reaching for junk food all day long—literally and figuratively.
Father, because of your unfailing love for us in Jesus, I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go this very day. Show me what thinking, feeling, and choosing, “in line with the truth of the gospel,” requires of me; and then give me that ample supply. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ beautiful and bountiful name.
