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     Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die. Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Prov. 30:7-9 (NIV)

     Dear heavenly Father, this portion of your Word carries a warning that’s both well founded and timely. Of late, things, for the most part, have been going really well. I’ve been in a steady stretch of encouragement, joy, and hope. It’s not that I’m doing anything differently, or that I’ve deserved a break; it just seems like I’ve been enjoying a little more of the “already” than the “not yet” of our life in Christ. And I hasten to say, thank you, Lord! It’s been great.

     But this “stretch” of oasis-like ease has underscored the sanity of a prayer like this one offered by Agur: “Lord, don’t give me riches, lest I have too much, disown you, or live as though I don’t need you.” Father, that prayer can only be prayed by somebody really secure in your love—somebody that’s probably learned the hard way about the destructively-seductive, soul-desensitizing, heart-deceiving power of money and stuff.

     Father, by your providence, I happen to live in a culture and community of abundance—one in which you can easily become a spiritual add-on—an important add-on, but not as essential or vital as to your most of your children in the world who don’t just say the Lord’s Prayer; they actually pray for daily bread.

     So by your Holy Spirit, please keep me humble, stunned with gratitude, and increasing in generosity. May the gospel continue to change and re-set the price tags in my life, Father. Grant me quick repentances from every expression of entitlement and presumption, spoiled-ness or an unhealthy dependence on creature comforts. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ exalted and treasure-worthy name. 

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