Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
July 8, 2024
Matthew 6:5-8
5 “When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. 6 But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you. 7 “When you pray, don’t pour out a flood of empty words, as the Gentiles do. They think that by saying many words they’ll be heard. 8 Don’t be like them because your Father knows what you need before you ask.
Good Morning! Take time to be holy!
For most of my life, I have been intimidated by public prayer. Let me be clear: I don’t mean being part of a group praying in public. I mean being called upon to lead the prayer. Some people have a knack for such things, and I am moved by their appropriate words for every situation.
This may sound funny to you since God has called me to lead and shepherd his children. Admittedly, I am growing into this aspect of being a pastor, but I still have that moment of panic when I feel inadequate to say the proper words.
Slowly, I am learning to think less and let God speak through me by way of my heart. Individual, private prayer is a very natural thing during which I can be totally myself because God knows me intimately.
It is easy to worry about what we say, what others will think, and how long our prayers should last. To those who share this struggle, I invite you to let God lead you and everything will be okay.
God of Compassion, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We are challenged to pray because we worry more about our words than our thoughts. Help us open our hearts so that you might speak through us. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God is listening 24/7.
Talk with God and be blessed! Pastor Liz
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