DIVINE POWER

The Third Sunday after Epiphany

JEREMIAH 27:5 (ABP)
I created the world by my great power — including all the people and animals. I get to choose who will have the power to rule over my creation.

ROMANS 1:20 (NTFE)
There are, of course, things about God which you can’t see, namely, his eternal power and deity. But, ever since the world was created, they have been known and seen in the things he has made.

THE ESSENCE
Since God is the source, he gets to decide who will have power.

DAILY FODDER
One of the great mysteries is that so many people who have values diametrically opposed to God, seem to have so much power in the world where he's the one deciding who gets power. Why might this be?

PRAYER
Creator God, the wonders of creation reveal your eternal power and divine nature. Your beauty and majesty are in the sky. You are in the diversity of plant and animal life. I see you in the unique face and personality of each person I meet. And when I look inward, I feel blessed that you are in my heart. 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.

COMMUNITY

JEREMIAH 30:20 (NRSVUE)
Their congregation shall be established before me...

EPHESIANS 2:20 (CEB)
As God’s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.

THE ESSENCE
God has established his community/household through Christ Jesus.

DAILY FODDER
Why do you think that when God wants to transform the world he invests his energy into forming communities of faith and doesn't just make faith a matter of personal connection with him? Wouldn’t it be simpler if we didn't have to deal with the church, and faith could just be a personal thing between you and God? What is God thinking?

PRAYER
You, Christ Jesus, are the cornerstone of the Church. Thank you for building a solid foundation on the ancient apostles and prophets. Forgive us for living as though everything starts with us and our experence of the gospel. Yes, those things are important but show us how to further form our faith on the foundation you have established. I'm beginning to understand that my place in this community that transcends time and place, is really important. 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.

KING JESUS

EXODUS 15:18 (ABP)
The reign of GOD the King will be without end.

LUKE 1:33 (CEB)
He will rule over Jacob’s house forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom.

THE ESSENCE
The scriptures want us to recognize that Jesus is the forever king and that his kingdom has no end. 

DAILY FODDER
What are the implications of recognizing Jesus as the ultimate king? How does this impact the way that we relate to the temporal authorities of the world? Is he currently reigning as king or is this a yet to be fulfilled promise? 

PRAYER
Holy God, you rule forever and ever, Amen. Forgive me for living as though your kingdom is entirely future, and for making ungodly alliances with the rogue power-hungry regimes functioning in the world today. Help me to raise high the banner of King Jesus through the way I live and speak. I am an ambassador of your unending righteous and just 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.

UNITED WITH AND THROUGH CHRIST JESUS

PSALM 107:3, 8 (ABP)
Let those who GOD has gathered from their countries of exile — from the east and west, north and south — praise him for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for all people.

EPHESIANS 2:12-13 (NLT)
In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

THE ESSENCE
As we are united with Christ Jesus we settle into our true home with God.  

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, how is someone united with Christ Jesus? You might want to read the rest of Ephesians 2 to find out. 

PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for sending Christ Jesus into our world to unite us with you. This is a true gift beyond our abilities as sinful mortals. Show me how to live in solidarity with you so that your ways become my ways. I'm looking forward to the time when all of Jesus' followers — all who have allowed his life, death, and resurrection to transform their lives — will gather to praise you for your great love and all the wonderful things you've  done for everyone. 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.

LIVING BY FAITH

PSALM 42:2 (CEB)
My whole being thirsts for God, for the living God.
When will I come and see God’s face?

2 CORINTHIANS 5:6-7 (CEB)
So we are always confident, because we know that while we are living in the body, we are away from our home with the Lord. We live by faith and not by sight.

THE ESSENCE
We are energized by confident trust in the future God promises, that being life in his presence. 

DAILY FODDER
What about the future energizes you to tackle today's challenges?

PRAYER
Loving God, I'm grateful you've promised a future that involves being with you. It's so hard to focus on you and your agenda while the world is tugging me in the opposite direction. Might your indwelling Holy Spirit give me the confidence to move foward, even when I can't yet see how things are going to work out. I'm trusting you with my life. You're trustworthy. 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.

A LIFE GROUNDED IN REALITY

ECCLESIASTES 5:7 (ABP)
No matter how many dreams you have, how hard you work to pursue them, or how much you talk it up, the fact is that it's all worthless apart from a life consumed with honoring God.

2 PETER 1:16 (MSG)
We weren’t, you know, just wishing on a star when we laid the facts out before you regarding the powerful return of our Master, Jesus Christ. We were there for the preview! We saw it with our own eyes.

THE ESSENCE
A life grounded in reality is a life consumed with following Jesus. 

DAILY FODDER
Define in a sentence the most consuming passion in your life? Is this a healthy passion? Why or why not? What does God think of the reality which consumes you?

PRAYER
Awesome God, thank you for inviting me into your world—a world where Jesus has conquered sin and death through his sacrfice and resurrection, while revealing your way of life. Forgive me for pursuing so many senseless bunny trails filled with novelty and meaningless recognition. Help me to focus on a life consumed with following Jesus. Because of him I can live a well-grounded meaningful 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.

THE GUIDE

2 CHRONICLES 18:4 (MSG)
Before you do anything, ask God for guidance.

JOHN 6:63 (MSG)
Every word I’ve spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making.

THE ESSENCE
Jesus is our life-giving guide. 

DAILY FODDER
Who is the guide in your life? 

PRAYER
Holy God, you are the source of true wisdom. Thank you for spiritual rebirth to new life in you. I regret not always seeking your counsel first. I need the guidance of your Spirit living within me. Reveal truth to me and give me wisdom and discernment. I trust you to show me your will and your way. 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.

GOVERNED BY PEACE

The Second Sunday after Epiphany

ISAIAH 60:17 (CEB)
I will make peace your governor
and righteousness your taskmaster.

2 JOHN 3 (GNT)
May God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, give us grace, mercy, and peace; may they be ours in truth and love.

THE ESSENCE
The Jesus regime in its fullness is one governed by peace. 

DAILY FODDER
Peace, in the Bible, is greater than the absence of conflict. It's a holistic state of well-being that we can experience even while conflict rages around us. Imagine how wonderful it will be when all conflict comes to an end. Peace on steroids.

PRAYER
Jesus, I'm grateful that you are the Prince of Peace. I get so discouraged by the conflict around me. Sometimes I even allow it into my life. But I'm asking you to flush it all out of me, as you flood me with your peace. I pray for the day when all creation allows your peace in and you govern with peace. This is the future I'm looking for for myself and all who come after me. Show me how to best represent that vision 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.

JESUS CARES

PSALM 91:9 (NIRV)
The LORD is the one who keeps me safe.

MARK 10:47 (NLT)
When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

THE ESSENCE
Jesus is the one who cares. 

DAILY FODDER
How do you feel as you realize that Jesus cares deeply about you?

PRAYER
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. At times I am blind to your presence and deaf to your leading. Yet I know you are my salvation and my refuge. I am grateful for your kind and gentle heart. With my eyes focused on you, I will follow your leading and rest in the shelter of your arms. 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.

OUR POINT OF UNITY

ZECHARIAH 8:23 (MSG)
“At that time, ten men speaking a variety of languages will grab the sleeve of one Jew, hold tight, and say, ‘Let us go with you. We’ve heard that God is with you.’”

1 CORINTHIANS 12:13 (GNT)
In the same way, all of us, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether slaves or free, have been baptized into the one body by the same Spirit, and we have all been given the one Spirit to drink.

THE ESSENCE
Regardless of our backgrounds, we all grab onto the sleeve of the same divine Jew, to walk with him. 

DAILY FODDER
A lot of the New Testament is written to address the tensions between various ethnic groups and cultures within the church. What does that tell us about the magnitude of this challange? It seems to me that when we're facing such challenges, we're doing the right things because we're taking the gospel to people unlike us. This forces us to find our point of unity in the presence of Christ and the Holy Spirit, rather than in familiar and comfortable practices. 

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for the way you have drawn so many different kinds of people into your church. Forgive us for our intolerance of those whose cultures lead them to do things differently. Expand our vision beyond "separate but equal" so that we can through the power and wisdom that comes through the Holy Spirit live together as loving siblings. I want to experience unity that transcends culture — even if it means giving up some of the ways I do things. 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.

WORSHIP

PSALM 95:1 (MSG)
Come, let’s shout praises to GOD,
raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!

REVELATION 15:4 (ABP)
As they see your justice in action, all the peoples of the world will come together to worship you.

THE ESSENCE
In the future we'll all join together to worship the Lord.  

DAILY FODDER
The worship we do now is a warm-up for what's coming. 

PRAYER
Glorious yet approachable God, you alone are worthy of all our praise and honor. We can see that ultimately the world will join together to express praise. But we confess that we are currently divided in the way that we worship. It's not that worship needs to be uniform but that we make it more about our personal preferences than about corporately acknowledging you as Savior. Save us from our selfish obsessions with form and style. Prepare us now for the worship to come. We need the practice. 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.

ANGEL ON GUARD

PSALM 34:7 (ABP)
His angel is guarding and protecting all those whom honor GOD.

ACTS 5:19-20 (GNT)
But that night an angel of the Lord opened the prison gates, led the apostles out, and said to them, “Go and stand in the Temple, and tell the people all about this new life.”

THE ESSENCE
Even though we're usually unaware, God has an angelic detail protecting his people.  

DAILY FODDER
What is one situation in your personal history when you were close to death? Were you aware of God's protective detail watching out for you? How many other times do you think you were protected even when you didn't realize that you were in danger? 

PRAYER
Mighty God, commander of angels, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude when I realize how you've been looking out for me. Forgive my timidity when it comes to risk taking on your behalf. Prompt me through the Holy Spirit to speak up about this wonderful new life in Christ. I'm going to pay more attention to your leading because I know that you have my back. 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.

HONORS

1 SAMUEL 2:30 (ABP)
God declares, "I'll honor those who honor me and despise those who despise me."

JOHN 14:23 (GNT)
Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and my Father and I will come to them and live with them."

THE ESSENCE
The greatest honors belong to those who honor God with their love and their lives. 

DAILY FODDER
How important to you is it to be honored by God? What might be the benefits of such recognition? 

PRAYER
Great God, I'm grateful for your instructions. I admit that my obedience and love of you can at times be half-hearted. Help me to give serious attention to your direction. I want to be with Jesus in all that I am, all that I say, and in all that I do. My affections belong to you and I look forward to the recognition that can only flow from 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.

GOD CAN'T BE INTIMIDATED

2 CHRONICLES 14:11 (MSG)
O GOD, you aren’t impressed by numbers or intimidated by a show of force once you decide to help: Help us, O GOD...

LUKE 9:42 (MSG)
Jesus stepped in, ordered the foul spirit gone, healed the boy, and handed him back to his father.

THE ESSENCE
Unlike people, nothing can intimidate God into backing down. 

DAILY FODDER
All the power brokers of the world, whether mortal or spiritual, seem to rely on forms of intimidation to accomplish their goals. How does it make you feel when you realize that they can't intimidate God? How does this affect the way you operate?

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you are my savior and defender. The world is full of evil, violence, and hateful speech. Too often I feel powerless and disheartened. Heal me of my fears and anxieties. Encourage me to move forward in your power and strength. You give me confidence that I can do all things through you who gives me strength. 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.

ALL HUMANITY

The First Sunday after Epiphany

PSALM 50:1 (ABP)
GOD the mighty, has been summoning all humanity — all day, everyday.

MARK 16:15 (MSG)
Then Jesus said, "Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all."

THE ESSENCE
God summons all humanity with Jesus' good news. 

DAILY FODDER
Though only a few seem to truly embrace the message of Jesus, God continues to offer it to everyone, everywhere. That's why our mission is global. The gospel of Jesus was the first truly global endeavor in history. 

PRAYER
Almighty God, there is such good news to share. Thank you for summoning people throughout the world to hear and receive the gift of salvation. Sometimes I keep my faith to myself. Please provide me the opportunities and inner strength to share your message. From sunrise to sunset, make my life a powerful witness. 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.

HOLISTIC FAITHFULNESS

JOSHUA 22:29 (MSG)
Rebelling against or turning our backs on GOD is the last thing on our minds right now.

1 TIMOTHY 4:16 (ABP)
Pay ongoing attention to how you live and what you teach. This kind of holistic faithfulness is essential for your own salvation, and for that of those you teach.

THE ESSENCE
It's essential to maintain integrity of life AND communication. 

DAILY FODDER
What you believe/teach is as important as how you live. How you live is as important as what you believe/teach. If a good theologian has a reputation for being obnoxious and unChrist-like in the way he treats people, I decline to use his textbooks in my classes, even if they are well written. 

PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for entrusting us with a measure of your truth. Forgive us for pouring so much energy into advancing the content of that truth that we don't realize how lacking we are when it comes to living it. Help us to embrace both sound doctrine and sound living. I want to present myself and my message as that of Jesus. 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.

TURNING HARD TIMES AROUND

JEREMIAH 31:13 (CEB)
I will turn their mourning into laughter
and their sadness into joy...

2 CORINTHIANS 1:7 (MSG)
When we see that you’re just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you’re going to make it, no doubt about it.

THE ESSENCE
Live confidently with the knowledge that God turns the hard times into good times, in his time.

DAILY FODDER
For most people the hard times tend to zap their confidence. How is it that God's people can so confidently exude hope during hard times?

PRAYER
Faithful God, I'm grateful that you stick with us in both the good and bad times. I admit that I experience unnecessary anxiety if suffering persists over time. Recharge my batteries so that by your power I can move forward with life until you turn my sadness into joy. You intentionally entered into our suffering when Christ Jesus was crucified, so that we can experience the hope generated through his resurrection. Praise be to him! 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.

THE MYSTERY OF GOD

DEUTERONOMY 3:24 (NLT)
‘O Sovereign LORD, you have only begun to show your greatness and the strength of your hand to me, your servant...

JOHN 17:24 (CEB)
Father, I want those you gave me to be with me where I am.

THE ESSENCE
God wants to be with his people and to reveal himself.  

DAILY FODDER
Why is it that sometimes God seems eager to reveal himself to his people but at other times he cloaks himself in mystery?

PRAYER
Glorious God, thank you for reaching out to us — especially in those moments when we need to see your strength. I regret, though, that I squirm when I realize how much of a mystery you remain, even after experiencing your salvation. Teach me to be content and to trust you to drive our relationship. My faith doesn't require that I need to know every little detail. 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.

THE LIGHT

EZEKIEL 33:11 (ABP)
Israel, do you have some kind of death wish? Put a stop to your evil ways!

JOHN 3:21 (ABP)
Those who live according to the truth have walked into the light, revealing the light of God for what it truly is.

THE ESSENCE
When we live rooted in God's truth, rather than the demands of the world system, we reveal God's light for what it is.  

DAILY FODDER
What does living by light look like in your life?

PRAYER
Holy God, thank you for allowing me to choose life over death. You assure me of forgiveness. When I repent, you turn my darkness into light. I regret slipping back into sinful attitudes and behaviors. Empower me to live by your light. Let others clearly see you working in me and through 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.

STORMS

Epiphany

PSALM 89:9 (CEB)
You rule over the surging sea:

    When its waves rise up,

    it’s you who makes them still.

MATTHEW 8:26 (NLT)
Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

THE ESSENCE
If Jesus has power over the raging storms and waves in a lake, we can trust him to deal with the storms in our lives. 

DAILY FODDER
What kinds of storms are you facing right now? How do you turn them over to Jesus without being a coward?

PRAYER
Powerful Creator God, you control the forces of nature. Why then do I let the storms of life create such turmoil? I'm thankful there is no stormy area of human nature that you cannot calm. May I always trust that your power that stilled the raging sea will carry me through any trial I face. 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.