STAY FOCUSED ON THE MESSAGE

DEUTERONOMY 4:2 (NLT)
Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you.

ROMANS 15:18 (NLT)
Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them.

THE ESSENCE
Stay focused on what God has done and said.

DAILY FODDER
Deuteronomy 4:2 instructs the Hebrew people to focus on God's commands and to avoid adding to them. What might an "addition" to God's word look like? 

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for calling us to declare the message of new life through what Christ has done for us and how all who receive his embrace participate in his resurrection life. I confess that it's easy to for me to elevate my interpretation of what all that means to an authoritative level. Help me to unite around essentials while giving freedom in areas you don't make as clear. Above all, let all I say and do be marked by your love. 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.

GO WITH GOD!

Palm Sunday

EXODUS 33:15 (NLT)
Then Moses said, "If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place."

JOHN 12:13 (MSG)
They broke off palm branches and went out to meet him. And they cheered:

Hosanna!

Blessed is he who comes in God’s name!

Yes! The King of Israel!

THE ESSENCE
Move with God, who is on the go.

DAILY FODDER
God was sending the Hebrews deeper into the wilderness because they weren't willing to go into the Promised Land. In Exodus 33 Moses is attempting to negotiate with God, saying they shouldn't leave their current camp without God's presence. But in vs 14, God had already promised to go with them. Sometimes we just need to hear it again.

PRAYER
Long live King Jesus! Forgive me for the times I undercut your kingdom efforts, even while I’m shouting "Hosanna" on your behalf. I need to know that you are present with your fickle followers. I have no desire to move forward without you and in my best moments I recognize that I can't move apart from your energizing presence. 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.

RESTORATION

PSALM 80:18 (NLT)
Revive us so we can call on your name once more.

LUKE 17:15 (NLT)
One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!”

THE ESSENCE
Restoration should lead to praise.

DAILY FODDER
Restoration should lead to praise. But only one of the ten who were healed returned to Jesus with praise. So often we ask God for help, with promises to serve him in one way or another. How often do people keep such promises? The amazing thing is that God responds to our requests, knowing full well that he usually won't get so much as a "thank you." His faithfulness is impressive.

PRAYER
 I praise and thank you, God, for the truth that, "underneath are your everlasting arms." Jesus has revealed that your grace and life surround me on every side. Forgive me for my doubts and fears. Set me free to praise you with a loud voice that all around me may hear. 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.

THE CHOICE

PROVERBS 11:19 (ABP)
Right-living people are on the road to life, but those who chase evil are on the freeway to death.

GALATIANS 6:8 (MSG)
What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.

THE ESSENCE
You can plant seeds that produce toxic deadly plants or you can sow seeds that produce life-giving plants.  

DAILY FODDER
Whether the metaphor involves roads or plants, the choice is clear. You have to choose the things of life or the things of death. Death is not so much a penalty but a consequence of choosing an existence apart from God and his ways. God graciously gives us a choice.

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for giving us a choice. I can choose to embrace you and your ways or I can choose to make my own way, embracing deadly characters and characteristics as I stumble along. I regret that I weave back and forth across lanes of traffic. I'm such a flake. Help me to completely embrace you and your ways. I'm trusting you to set me on the right path and to guide me. I can't make it on my own but you are life-giving. 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.

HONOR

PSALM 34:1 (CEB)
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be in my mouth.

EPHESIANS 1:5-6 (CEB)
God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love. This was according to his goodwill and plan and to honor his glorious grace that he has given to us freely through the Son whom he loves.

THE ESSENCE
Life is all about honoring God.

DAILY FODDER
In many, if not most, cultures the most important things you do are to give and receive honor. The biblical authors are writing from such a context. So, honoring/praising God is of the utmost importance.  

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as your adopted child it is the greatest honor to praise you. The love of Christ demonstrates that you are worthy. Forgive me for the times when I fail to acknowledge you, focusing my energy on ways I can receive recognition. Grant me the parental gift of self-forgetfulness, received when I welcome Christ each moment and allow him to dominate my life. That is most honorable. 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.

RESURRECTION

PSALM 9:19 (NLT)
Arise, O Lord!
Do not let mere mortals defy you!

MARK 9:31 (GNT)
Jesus was teaching his disciples: “The Son of Man will be handed over to those who will kill him. Three days later, however, he will rise to life.”

THE ESSENCE
Resurrection is the final defining word. 

DAILY FODDER
Death couldn't keep Jesus down. And when we're partnered with him, it won't keep us down either.  

PRAYER
Your resurrection power, Lord, is hidden from all who don’t know you. Keep my faith strong. I don't want any fear of others or even of death to hold me back from witnessing to your risen presence. Give me courage to follow you wherever you lead me. My life is hidden in you. 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.

ANGELS

GENESIS 24:7 (MSG)
...God will send his angel ahead of you...

LUKE 22:42-43 (NLT)
Jesus prayed, "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him.

THE ESSENCE
God cares so much that he has a whole division of angels assigned to the personal care of his people.

DAILY FODDER
Have you experienced angelic intervention in your life or moments that are best explained as angelic involvement? 

PRAYER
God, thank you for sending "messengers" into my life at just the moments I need them. Forgive me for doubting your care. It's easy to get confused when I'm under stress. I know that I’m not one of your heavenly angels but if possible, I'd like to be one of your messengers — maybe even working in partnership with an angel. I want other people to experience your care and comfort. 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.

SAVIOR

ISAIAH 43:11 (ABP)
I, GOD, am the only one who can save you.

JOHN 10:30(ABP)
Jesus: The Father and I are one.

THE ESSENCE
Because God and Christ Jesus are one and the same, we look to Jesus as our Savior.  

DAILY FODDER
Why is it so easy to accept the idea that the world needs a Savior, but so challenging for individuals to embrace Jesus when he is presented as the one and only Savior? 

PRAYER
Savior God, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to rescue us from the grip and consequences of sin and rebellion. I admit that even though this is a great gift, the rebelliousness in me continues to make me think I can make it on my own. Unpack your salvation into my life so that I can live out my baptism and share the good news with others. 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.

TRUTH MATTERS

The 5th Sunday in Lent

EXODUS 20:16 (MSG)
No lies about your neighbor.

1 JOHN 2:21 (MSG)
The truth doesn’t breed lies.

THE ESSENCE
When it comes to the wellbeing of neighbors, God thinks truth matters — no exceptions.

DAILY FODDER
"The truth doesn't breed lies." And we could add, "Lies can't  breed truth." 

PRAYER
Honest God, we appreicate that you are reliable and trustworthy. We live in an era where truth matters little and reshaping facts to fit an agenda has become an admired craft. It's easy for me to get sucked into that mode. Help me to be ever truthful and discerning of truth. It's clear that even if others are willing to bend the truth to make things happen, you're not at all that way. So I want to align with the truth, even if everyone writes me off as irrelevent. 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.

GIVE THANKS

DEUTERONOMY 8:10 (GNT)
You will have all you want to eat, and you will give thanks to the Lord your God...

2 CORINTHIANS 9:15 (NLT)
Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

THE ESSENCE
Thank God for the indescribable gifts he's given.

DAILY FODDER

Being thankful involves four things:

1. recognizing the source of the gifts
2. recognizing the magnitude of the gifts
3. expressing the gratitude
4. allowing the gifts to change your outlook on life

PRAYER
God, your generosity is beyond words. How can I thank you enough for what I can't understand? I can start with what I do know — life, new life through Christ and his sacrifice, forgiveness, freedom from the grip of sin, companionship, daily bread, hope for the future... Thank you for including me in your life. 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.

DELIVERED

PSALM 25:18 (NLT)
Feel my pain and see my trouble.
Forgive all my sins.

ROMANS 7:24-25 (CEB)
I’m a miserable human being. Who will deliver me from this dead corpse? Thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

THE ESSENCE
Christ delivers us from the grasp of sin. 

DAILY FODDER
Through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus, we're not just given forgiveness of our sin, but we are delivered from the grip it has on us. That is a holistic approach to dealing with sin. 

PRAYER
God, your gracious forgiveness is my greatest treasure. Your gospel assures me of your steadfast love regardless of my wretched condition. This is life to me. Forgive me when I get caught up in petty dramas that I use to make myself look good. Help me to practice forgiving others daily. This is what matters, now and forever. 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.

FLOURISHING

JEREMIAH 23:3 (CEB)
I myself will gather the few remaining sheep from all the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply.

JOHN 10:10 (CEB)
The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.

THE ESSENCE
God's goal is that his people flourish.  

DAILY FODDER
What characterizes the full life that God envisions for people? What does it look like?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, that your vision for us goes beyond the bare necessities for survival. You want us to flourish. Forgive us for accepting an adequate but second-rate approach to life. Help us see how we can flourish even while the forces of evil attempt to drive forward around us. I'm looking to you for the kind of fruitfulness that characterizes a full and rich life — no matter what is happening in the world. 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.

ACCESS

PSALM 86:16 (MSG)
So look me in the eye and show kindness,
give your servant the strength to go on,
save your dear, dear child!

JOHN 16:23 (NLT)
At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.

THE ESSENCE
As God's children, we have unprecedented access to him and his generosity. Jesus proves it.

DAILY FODDER
What are you asking of God in Jesus' name? Can you request something in Jesus' name that is contrary to Jesus' way and agenda? What happens when we ask for something like that?

PRAYER
Generous God, thank you that through Jesus and our relationship with him, we've been given direct access to you. Forgive the silly superstitious games we unnecessarily play to get your attention. Help us to learn how to trustingly turn to you. I know that it's not about what I do but who you are. Praise be to you. 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.

JESUS THE LIFE-GIVER

DEUTERONOMY 32:39 (CEB)
Now, look here: I myself, I’m the one;
there are no other gods with me.
I’m the one who deals death and gives life;
I’m the one who wounded, but now I will heal.
There’s no escaping my hand.

JOHN 17:1-2 (GNT)
After Jesus finished saying this, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your Son, so that the Son may give glory to you. For you gave him authority over all people, so that he might give eternal life to all those you gave him."

THE ESSENCE
Jesus is the life-giver.  

DAILY FODDER
Eternal life isn't primarily about longevity — that is, living forever after we die. Yes, it includes that, but it is first and foremost a quality of life rooted in the eternal. It is so rich, because it flows from Jesus, that it never ends. Not even death can diminish it.

PRAYER
Eternal God, thank you for sending your Son into the world to establish a new regime based on eternal life. Forgive us for trying to live life apart from him. Help me to live into the gift of eternal life as you have given it. I'm going to honor Jesus with my life by allowing him and his eternal life to live through me. 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.

FORMED BY GOD'S WORD

PSALM 71:17-18 (MSG)
You got me when I was an unformed youth,
God, and taught me everything I know.
Now I’m telling the world your wonders;
I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray.

2 TIMOTHY 3:15 (NLT)
You have been taught the holy scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

THE ESSENCE
Through the scriptures God forms us into wise and faithfilled people. 

DAILY FODDER
Since God's instruction is so powerful and life altering, it makes sense that we'd stick with it without wavering.  

PRAYER
Lord, your faithfulness to me from birth to death is too wonderful to wrap my mind around. Your deeds are the bedrock of my Christian faith. Open my ears to hear again your word rooted in the Bible. Build my faith on you, my solid rock, the Word made flesh. You are Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition, adapted)

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.

IN THE BEST OF HANDS

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

2 CHRONICLES 25:8 (NCB)
Remember that God has the power to help you or to cause your defeat.

MATTHEW 10:29, 31 (GNT)
For only a penny you can buy two sparrows, yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father's consent... So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows!

THE ESSENCE
God has the power to make or break you. Fortunately, you're incredibly valuable to him. 

DAILY FODDER
If we're so valuable to God, and he is so powerful, why is it that sometimes people break? 

PRAYER
God, I take comfort in Jesus' declaration that people are valuable. I confess, though, that sometimes I'm afaid because I've seen so many people crash and burn. I'm not sure that I'm so different. Help me to relax in your love and to realize that even if I "crash and burn" I'll still be alright in the overall scheme of things. I realize that you are in charge and that because of Christ I am in the best of hands. 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.

FREED!

EXODUS 20:2 (NLT)
I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.

GALATIANS 5:13 (MSG)
It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.

THE ESSENCE
Through Christ, we're freed from serving the powers and impulses of evil so that we can lovingly serve one another. 

DAILY FODDER
Notice that in Christ, one form of slavery is replaced with another form of slavery. The irony, of course, is that we find freedom in the type of slavery associated with Christ Jesus. 

PRAYER
What a miracle that you, God, call me to rise up to live as your free child! Discipline me in the way I should live through love. Father, guide me by the liberating Spirit of Christ, to free me from slavery to myself. Help me to be enslaved to my neighbor in love. What a calling! What a Savior! 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.

THE CANE

PSALM 37:23-24 (CEB)

A person’s steps are made secure by the Lord

when they delight in his way.

Though they trip up, they won’t be thrown down,

because the Lord holds their hand.

MATTHEW 14:30-31 (CEB)
   But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, “Lord, rescue me!”
   Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, saying, “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?”

THE ESSENCE
When we're walking with the Lord we can count on him to secure our steps.  

DAILY FODDER
As I've aged I have become aware of how prone I am to mis-step. So, I walk with a cane, which has become a true companion and has numerous times saved me from falling. Think of the Lord as the spiritual equivalent of a cane. When we walk with him he guards our balance and facilitates recovery on the occasions when we mis-step. I don't go anywhere without my cane, even though I might be okay for awhile. But it’s not worth the risk.

PRAYER
Faithful God, thank you for steadying me when I lose my balance or slip. Forgive me for thinking that I'm so healthy that I don't need a cane. Guide my steps so I can live a new day. I'm not embarrassed that I can't make it on my own. 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.

THROUGH HIS SUFFERING

ISAIAH 53:5 (MSG)
Through his bruises we get healed.

ROMANS 4:25 (GNT)
Because of our sins he was given over to die, and he was raised to life in order to put us right with God.

THE ESSENCE
Through Jesus' suffering we experience forgiveness, healing, and relational restoration with God.  

DAILY FODDER
There is no need to try and prove your worthiness to God. He has already through his sacrifice, done everything that needs doing. Our role is to embrace him and own for ourselves the gifts he gives.  

PRAYER
Good and gracious Lord, you were broken and bruised for sinners like me. Forgive me when I think people owe me for loving and forgiving them.  Burst the limits of my love, O Lord. I want your everlasting light to overcome any darkness that is created by guilt and shame. Let me bring forgivin' livin' wherever you lead me. 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.

HIS WORD

PSALM 119:81 (GNT)
I am worn out, Lord, waiting for you to save me;
I place my trust in your word.

MATTHEW 8:16 (GNT)
When evening came, people brought to Jesus many who had demons in them. Jesus drove out the evil spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.

THE ESSENCE
Keep on trusting that God will take care of the problem, according to his word.

DAILY FODDER
Jesus just had to say the word and people were healed. Then the psalmist says he placed his trust in God's word. What is "the word" as used in this context? It must be a powerful word.  

PRAYER
Faithful God, you are a being of your word. From the beginning you spoke and everything came into existence. Jesus spoke and people were healed. Why is it that I allow circumstances to whittle away at my confidence in the power of your word? Speak and the forces of evil have to back down. Say the word, God, and I'm saved! I’m renewing my trust in you and your word. 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.