ROOTS

PSALM 25:3 (MSG)
Don’t embarrass any of us
Who went out on a limb for you.
It’s the traitors who should be humiliated.

LUKE 8:13 (TCEB)
Seeds that fall on rock represent people who hear the words about God’s kingdom and are happy to believe the message. But they believe it for only a short while. That’s because the message doesn’t take root in their life. When the storms of life blow in, the seeds blow away.

THE ESSENCE
Those who sink down roots in the Kingdom of God have staying power.

DAILY FODDER
How does one sink down roots in the Kingdom of God? How do storms in life actually help us sink down roots? 

PRAYER
Gracious God, you're totally faithful. I never have worries about your reliability. I am concerned, however, about whether my roots go down deep enough to weather a storm. Nurture depth in my life so that my faith is more than a passing fad. I want to be more than enthusiastic about you and my place in Jesus' kingdom. 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.

WORSHIPER OR WHINER?

PSALM 113:3 (MSG)
From east to west, from dawn to dusk,
   keep lifting all your praises to GOD!

REVELATION 14:7 (GNT)
Worship him who made heaven, earth, sea, and the springs of water!

THE ESSENCE
Our universal assignment is to offer worship and praise to God, the creator of all.

DAILY FODDER
How does ongoing worship of God play out in your life? What does it look like? How do you keep it going? 

PRAYER
Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything in between, you are worthy of all praise and worship. I confess, though, that I let the worries of the world preempt my praise. I get distracted and end up whining about everything wrong instead of focusing on what you're up to. Refocus my life so that my whining diminishes and my praise rises. You deserve as much. 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.

DEATH

PSALM 141:8 (GNT)
I keep trusting in you, my Sovereign Lord.
I seek your protection;
   don't let me die!

1 CORINTHIANS 15:55, 57 (GNT)
“Where, Death, is your victory?
Where, Death, is your power to hurt?”
But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

THE ESSENCE
Because of our connection to Jesus, death is no longer the final word in our lives.  

DAILY FODDER
On a scale of 1-10, how much anxiety does the idea of your death produce? How does Jesus' resurrection affect your place on that scale? 

PRAYER
Lord, you overcame sin, death, and the evil one. I am often fixated on death, afraid because death feels so final. Help me to fix my eyes on you and your promises. You are my living hope. You have promised me victory over the grave. In you I have life everlasting. 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.

GOD'S LOVES...

ZECHARIAH 2:8 (GNT)
Anyone who strikes you strikes what is most precious to me.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:28 (GNT)
He chose what the world looks down on and despises and thinks is nothing, in order to destroy what the world thinks is important.

THE ESSENCE
God loves and chooses to partner with the weak and marginalized.

DAILY FODDER
What are the implications of God's choices for how we prioritize our energy?

PRAYER
Lord, how is it that you love me so much? I feel unworthy of your love because of my sin, and yet, you forgive and renew me and make my lowly life beautiful in Christ. By your grace, I am the apple of your eye. Teach me to love others as you love 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.

THE BUILDER

ISAIAH 44:24 (MSG)
GOD, your Redeemer,
who shaped your life in your mother’s womb, says:
“I am GOD. I made all that is.
With no help from you I spread out the skies
and laid out the earth.”

HEBREWS 3:4 (TCEB)
There’s a builder for every house built. But God made the builders. He made everything else too.

THE ESSENCE
The Lord is the architect, engineer, and construction manager behind all building projects. 

DAILY FODDER
Why does the Bible want its readers to acknowledge that God is behind all that exists? What does it matter to you? 

PRAYER
Mighty God, you are the master presence behind all creation and re-creation — including the remaking of my life through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Forgive the cavalier attitudes that place us at the center of everything. Shift our focus and our confidence to you and your infallible experience. Even when things feel a bit crazy, I'm going to continue trusting that you know exactly what you're doing. 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.

CHEERFUL GIVING

GENESIS 28:22 (NRSVue)
Of all that you give me I will surely give one-tenth to you.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 (NRSVue)
God loves a cheerful giver.

THE ESSENCE
God loves it when our generosity flows from a happy place. 

DAILY FODDER
The reason we give "cheerfully" is that we recognize we're giving from the abundance God has given us. That awareness changes everything.

PRAYER
What a generous God you are! Thank you for all the blessings you have showered upon me. Every good thing comes from you. Grant me wisdom to use all I have in ways that bring glory to you. May I give open handily out of your amazing abundance. Thank you for allowing me to bless others today. 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.

GOD THE FOODIE

The 14th Sunday after Pentecost

1 KINGS 19:7 (GNT)
The LORD's angel returned and woke him up a second time, saying, “Get up and eat, or the trip will be too much for you.”

ACTS 27:34 (TCEB)
Come on now and take some food. You’re going to need it to survive. And you are going to survive this. You’re not going to lose even one measly hair from your head.

THE ESSENCE
God is concerned about our basic physical needs, such as hunger. 

DAILY FODDER
Sometimes we talk as though God's only real concern is spiritual; or if he is interested in our physical needs, it's so he can advance a spiritualized agenda. Indeed, God is interested in matters of the spirit, but it's hard to miss his overwhelming interest in the phyical wellbeing of people. It pops up throughout the whole biblical storyline. 

PRAYER
Our Father in Heaven, I'm grateful for your ongoing interest in our physical needs, such as hunger. Forgive me for reducing our relationship to pie in the sky. Help me to enjoy the pie that you provide for me now. I bless you for giving us the physical and spiritual food we need each day. 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.

CONTENT

PSALM 40:17 (GNT)
I am weak and poor, O Lord,
but you have not forgotten me.

PHILIPPIANS 4:12-13 (GNT)
I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

THE ESSENCE
When we’re living by faith we experience supernatural contentment.

DAILY FODDER
In some religious traditions contentment is the end game. But here contentment is an expression of a greater faith — faith that God is faithful — faith that he has the resources to provide — faith that he knows exactly what I really need at any given moment and will provide accordingly.  

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for remembering me. I confess that sometimes when things aren't going according to my plans I get frustrated and feel forgotten. Help me to release my plans so your will has a place to park in my life. Only then will I experience contentment, in both the ups and downs. 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.

ENCOUNTERS

PSALM 119:154 (MSG)
Take my side and get me out of this;
give me back my life, just as you promised.

MATTHEW 9:22 (TCEB)
Jesus turned around and looked at the woman. He told her, “Don’t be afraid, my daughter. You’re healed, and it’s because of your faith.” She walked away healed.

THE ESSENCE
Encounters with the Lord are transforming. 

DAILY FODDER
Encounters with the Lord are transforming, therefore, ____________________________.

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, my advocate to the Father. You love me unconditionally and are always praying to God on my behalf. You want what is best for me. Forgive me when I think I know what is best for my life. Help me surrender my stubborn will to you. You will give me peace beyond all understanding. Thank 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.

WELL RESOURCED

JEREMIAH 31:14 (ABP)
My people will have so much that they can throw a big party!

PHILIPPIANS 4:19 (ABP)
God will open his glorious treasure room to you so that through Christ Jesus all your needs will be met.

THE ESSENCE
God is committed to meeting all our needs, and he has the resources to do so. 

DAILY FODDER
When we start to worry about having enough, it's helpful to use the imagery of Philippians 4:19 to calm down. Picture God's treasure room. Christ is your guide into the room. What's in there? Why does he want to share it with you? 

PRAYER
Generous God, once again I'm reminded that there is no end to your resources. Thank you for being our patron. I confess that I get uneasy when I can't see how you're going to make the transfer from your vault into my life. Help me to trust that Christ Jesus is already in the process of making it happen in his way and according to his wise timing. I've seen what he can do, and I'm going to continue to trust him for everything. 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.

DEFENDER

PSALM 19:14 (GNT)
God says, "I will save those who love me
and will protect those who acknowledge me as LORD..."

JOHN 17:15 (CEB)
I’m not asking that you take them out of this world but that you keep them safe from the evil one.

THE ESSENCE
God protects those who love him from the evil one.

DAILY FODDER
Who or what is the "evil one" mentioned in John 17? How does God protect his people from this being?

PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you for looking out for us, even when we fail to look out for ourselves. Save me from the trials and temptations that the evil one is sending my way. I'm grateful for the way Jesus overcame the darts that were thrown at him, and now he's using his power to do the same for us. I really am blessed by your protective shield. It enables me to stay engaged with 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.

ASK

PSALM 57:2 (TCEB)
I’m calling out to God Most High
Who is behind every good thing in my life.

JOHN 16:24 (MSG)
This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!

THE ESSENCE
When we’re living on assignment with Jesus, we can without hesitation ask for whatever it takes to carry out the mission. 

DAILY FODDER
Have you ever had a stingy employer — someone who expected great performance but who was reluctant to provide the resources to do the job? It's frustrating. But all our dealings with God are the complete opposite. He often encourages us by providing not just what we ask for, but more than enough. He is a God of abundance and Jesus is the one who signs off on our requisitions. 

PRAYER
Generous Jesus, thank you for setting us up for success in your kingdom. Forgive us for failing to ask for what we need or, when we do ask, asking for things irrelevant to your kingdom. Teach me how to ask in your name — according to your agenda and your operating procedures. I'm ready to see your kingdom flourish in and around 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.

LIFE-LONG LEARNING

ISAIAH 48:6 (TCEB)
You’ve heard what I said.
You saw what I did.
Isn’t it time to admit it, now?
I’ll tell you what time it is.
Time for me to tell you something you didn’t know.
These are secrets I’ve guarded for a long time.

ACTS 17:32 (NLT)
When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.”

THE ESSENCE
For those who are starting to tune into God, there is always more to learn.

DAILY FODDER
Life-long learning is humble posturing. Only those who recognize how little they know are receptive to hearing something new from God.    

PRAYER
Great God, thank you for revealing yourself throughout history, and for the Bible, as it contains a living record of what you've revealed. Forgive us for living as though we've mastered your message. Help us to become humble learners. There is so much more about you that you're eager to share as soon as I'm ready to know you more deeply. 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.

QUENCHING THIRST

The 13th Sunday after Pentecost

ISAIAH 48:21 (GNT)
When the LORD led his people through a hot, dry desert,
they did not suffer from thirst.
He made water come from a rock for them;
he split the rock open, and water flowed out.

MARK 9:41 (MSG)
...anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.

THE ESSENCE
Those who do the simplest acts of kindness, such as giving drinks of water on behalf of the Lord, in doing so are on Jesus' side.  

DAILY FODDER
If you’re trying to figure out who is genuinely aligned with Jesus, look to see if they have a "water ministry." 

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for giving water. We confess that we've made faith more about doctrinal alignment than digging wells for needy people. Yes, doctrine is important but you emphasize quenching thirst. Direct me to individuals who need water or ministries that specialize in delivering water. I want to be a part of what you're doing for all who have spiritual or physical thirst. 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.

WORDS

PSALM 119:172 (ABP)
I'm going to sing about your promises; every single word of instruction you've given is 100% on target.

JAMES 3:10 (MSG)
Curses and blessings out of the same mouth! My friends, this can’t go on...

THE ESSENCE
It's great when we use our voices to share God's promises. But our voices fail us when they're used to tear people down. 

DAILY FODDER
If Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit, how is it that the words that flow from us are anything but uplifting and right? How does this happen in your life?

PRAYER
Gracious God, you deserve to be honored through each and every word that flows from my mouth. I admit, though, that I don't always tap into the filters you provide. Hurtful and dehumanizing words slip out. Keep me aware so that I notice when this happens and I can, then, allow you to fix things. I want to be a person of rich, meaningful, and God-honoring words. I want all my words to be an asset to all your people. 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.

INCREDIBLE JOY

ISAIAH 51:11 (MSG)
In the same way GOD’s ransomed will come back,
come back to Zion cheering, shouting,
Joy eternal wreathing their heads,
exuberant ecstasies transporting them—
and not a sign of moans or groans.

1 PETER 1:8-9 (TCEB)
You’ve never seen Jesus, but you love him. You don’t see him now, either. But you believe in him. And you’ve got an incredible joy, which you can’t begin to put into words. God will reward your faith by saving your soul.

THE ESSENCE
Saving faith in Jesus is characterized by incredible joy. 

DAILY FODDER
What does this joy look like? Dancing? Laughter? Quiet confidence with a smile? Does everyone have to express it in the same way? Maybe it's so big that it can't be put into words.

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for saving me from captivity to sin and gloom. I rejoice in your faithful sacrifice, overshadowing all other sacrifices in history. I regret that much of the time my joy has become an internal experience with little external expression. Free me to fully participate in the excitment of this incredible joyous remaking of the world. I'm not going to let the internet gloomsayers drag me down with every new revelation of social corruption. I'm going to allow your joy to transcend it all. 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.

GOD'S CHILDREN

EZEKIEL 37:27 (MSG)
I’ll live right there with them. I’ll be their God! They’ll be my people!

JOHN 1:12 (ABP)
God extends familial rights and priveleges to everyone who welcomes Jesus and puts their trust in him. They are hereby called "God's children."

THE ESSENCE
Because of Jesus' intervention, we have a family connection with God.

DAILY FODDER
What kinds of privileges come with our inclusion in God's family? Make a list. 

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for setting up a home here among us humans and for through the advocacy of Christ Jesus welcoming us into it as your children. You are close. Forgive us for thinking and living like abandoned orphans. Help me to step into my role as one of your children. I know that this outlook will change the way I live. 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.

READINESS

JOEL 2:21 (CEB)
The day of the LORD is coming. It is near.

MATTHEW 24:44 (NLT)
You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

THE ESSENCE
Since Jesus' big day is right around the corner, we need to maintain a constant state of readiness.

DAILY FODDER
Maintaining a state of readiness isn't so much a special activity. Rather, it is allowing life in the shadow of his return to become the norm that shapes our lives.  

PRAYER
I'm glad, Jesus, each time I hear about your return. I confess, though, that I haven't fully integrated this hope into my daily life. It's more of a special emphasis or occasional awareness. I want to live a more integrated life where I make all decisions and breathe every breath in light of this coming reality. I no longer have to be frustrated with the world as it is because your coming is a done deal. 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.

GOD-LISTENERS

ISAIAH 50:5 (TCEB)
The LORD gave me ears
And I don’t resist using them.
I don’t ignore what he says.

LUKE 10:39 (TCEB)
This woman had a sister named Mary, who set herself near the feet of Jesus and listened as he taught.

THE ESSENCE
We have to become good listeners if we’re to become devoted doers of what Jesus says. 

DAILY FODDER
We often think of prayer as talking to God, but what if we rethought of it as mostly listening to God talk? How can you become a better God-listener?  

PRAYER
Thank you, patient and loving Jesus, for releasing all my senses to learn from you. I'm sorry that sometimes I turn away in rebellion or fear, whether I realize it or not. Draw me near to you this day that I may open my ears to listen, my eyes to see, and my mind to know you more. 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.

JUSTICE

PSALM 37:28 (CEB)
The LORD loves justice.

MARK 12:17 (GNT)
So Jesus said, “Well, then, pay to the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay to God what belongs to God.”

THE ESSENCE
God loves justice.  

DAILY FODDER
Justice in the Bible happens when people get what is their’s or what they deserve. But biblical justice is always couched in love and mercy. So, when God's justice shows up people are treated better than they deserve. The greatest surprises in the gospel accounts occur when people become aware of Jesus' extremely generous form of justice. 

PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for taking justice to the next level by sending Jesus to model and teach mercy. Through his ascent to the cross he made right what we couldn't repair on our own. Forgive me for adopting cavalier culturally-defined ideas of justice and calling them biblical. Help me to notice how true justice revolves around Jesus and to embrace him and his mission of extremely merciful justice. I'm counting on my relationship with him to generate the wisdom to dispense justice in our complicated 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.