ANSWERED PRAYER

1 SAMUEL 1:27 (MSG)
I prayed for this child, and God gave me what I asked for.

LUKE 1:58 (GNT)
Her neighbors and relatives heard how wonderfully good the Lord had been to her, and they all rejoiced with her.

THE ESSENCE
God is generous.  

DAILY FODDER
What was a time when you felt that God heard your prayer and gave you what you asked for? 

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for hearing me. Within this vast creation, you still make time for me. Not only do you hear your children speak, but you answer with grace. Teach me to pray for those things that you wish for my life. As you listen to me, help me to listen to you and to do what you desire. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

PRAISE

The 17th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 40:16 (ABP)
Let everyone who loves that you saved them, never tire of declaring, "GOD is great!"

2 TIMOTHY 4:18 (NTFE)
The Lord will snatch me clear from every wicked deed and will save me for his heavenly kingdom. Glory to him for the ages of ages, Amen!

THE ESSENCE
God saves. We praise.  

DAILY FODDER
God saves us from so much — including from the grip of sin and death. Why does he do it? Does he need our measily expressions of gratitude? Does he need our feeble praise? Nope. But it does us good to express praise and gratitude — even if we’re not so good at it. God is driven by his unexplainable love for people. Even in seeking our praise and gratitude, he is lifting us up into the fulllness of our humanity.

PRAYER
God, you are great! Thank you for sending Jesus into the world to save us from the grip of sin and death. I've experienced this salvation myself. Even though I'm still feebly human I'd like to participate in your glorious and eternal praise choir. That would be the highlight of my life. I’m going to start rehearsing now. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

THROTTLED ANGER

ISAIAH 57:16 (CEB)
I won’t always accuse,
nor will I be enraged forever.

1 JOHN 2:1 (CEB)
But if you do sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one.

THE ESSENCE
God throttles his own anger as his love breaks through on our behalf.

DAILY FODDER
How does it change your life knowing that whatever anger God might have, it's not permanent? 

PRAYER
God of creation, your holy law maintains the good order of all you have made. Turn aside from your anger, even though I deserve nothing better. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, who advocates on my behalf. May I always be an advocate for those without voices. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

IMPROVED LISTENING

JEREMIAH 23:35 (ABP)
Don't presumptously declare what's on my mind. Instead, ask others what I'm saying to them or if I've said anything at all.

MATTHEW 26:75 (MSG)
Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and cried and cried and cried.

THE ESSENCE
Listen and remember what the Lord is saying, even if it's not what you want to hear. 

DAILY FODDER
How do you know if you're tuning out something important that you don't want to hear? How do you correct your selective listening? 

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being communicative. I confess, though, that I shut down when you say something I don't want to hear. Bring faithful listening partners into my life to keep me honest — people in-tune with your word. I want to take listening to the next level. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.