One day spent in your Temple
is better than a thousand anywhere else...
LUKE 2:49 (CEB)
Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?”
THE ESSENCE
A healthy relationship with God is characterized by time in his presence.
DAILY FODDER
How do you regularly seek out God's presence? Does it involve a time, place, group of people, solitude, or a devotional practice that raises your ongoing awareness that he is present?
PRAYER
Gracious God, I'm amazed at the way you are constatly seeking us out. You want to be with us, even though we are at best indifferent to your effort. Teach me to seek out your presence. When I do that, I'm told, I'll recognize that you are already here with me. Jesus, your are the presence of God in the world, and in my life. Amen.
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.
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.