“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matt. 6:25-27 (NLT)
Dear Lord Jesus, whenever we’re tempted to wonder about our value to the Father, all we have to do is consider the astonishing sacrifice you made for us. By your life, death, and resurrection, we’re forgiven and clothed with the very righteousness of God. And now we feast on a free diet of bread from heaven and an endless supply living water. We praise, bless, and adore you. The birds of the air have nothing on us!
Nevertheless, our weakness persists, our anxieties flare up, and our worries often get the best of us. So we run to you, confident of your welcome, compassion, and grace. Please help us with the things we’d love to control, but can’t. It’s not so much that we’re anxious to add a single hour to our lives; it’s more that we don’t want our loved ones to suffer unnecessarily.
Jesus, please reveal more of your beauty and love to our children. If we could give our kids and grandkids anything, it would be for them to know and love you. Keep them restless until they rest in you. May your mercy be a magnet and your grace irresistible to them.
For our friends and family members facing vocation crises and health issues, and relationship challenges and financial messes—Jesus lift the weight of our worries as you give us the assurance of your engagement. Show us how to love well, without meddling and manipulating. Help us to wait on you, Lord. Sometimes that is SO hard.
Jesus, we will trust you—not horses, chariots, or our devices. Grant us grace, fuel our hope, and give us peace. So very Amen we pray, in your loving and strong name.
