COMING AND GOING

GENESIS 24:56 (MSG)
He said, “Oh, don’t make me wait! God has worked everything out so well—send me off to my master.”

JOHN 16:7 (ABP)
I assure you that it is actually to your advantage if I leave. The Companion, that is the Holy Spirit, will take my place when I return to the Father. Once I go, I'll send him to you.

THE ESSENCE
God has been working things out through the comings and goings of people. How much more so with the departure of Jesus and the coming of the Spirit to reside in the church.

DAILY FODDER
Why does Jesus think that his church will be better off without his physical presence? Is the Spirit better than Jesus?

PRAYER
Jesus, we’re grateful that you never leave or turn your back on us. Help us to grasp onto the gift of the Holy Spirit, who continues your divine presence among us. Lead us, guide us, and empower us to live out our calling to follow you. Thank you for sending the Spirit. 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.

CARING FOR STRAYS

The 3rd Sunday in Eastertide

EZEKIEL 34:16 (NLT)
I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes—feed them justice!

1 PETER 2:25 (CEB)
Though you were like straying sheep, you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your lives.

THE ESSENCE
God looks out and cares for strays. 

DAILY FODDER
Why would God be interested in strays? Doesn't giving them attention only encourage future straying? 

PRAYER
Shepherd God, your grace is energizing. Forgive us for assuming that some people are too far gone. When we get discouraged by the straying of those dear to us, remind us that Jesus is the persistent shepherd seeking the lost and injured. I'm going to stay positive because I trust in your care. I've experienced it myself. 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.

NOTICE GOD AND HIS GREATNESS

DEUTERONOMY 4:24 (MSG)
GOD, your God, is not to be trifled with—he’s a consuming fire, a jealous God.

HEBREWS 12:28 (MSG)
Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander.

THE ESSENCE
God is the most major player, ignored to our peril. 

DAILY FODDER
Of what might God be jealous? Anything in your life?  

PRAYER
Almighty God, you are without peer in your power and glory. Forgive us for the casualness with which we make our way through life—only occasionally noticing you. Ramp up my awareness, gratitude, and worship. I'm such a whimp that I can't even do that on my own. But I know that it's possible in the Spirt-empowered culture of your unshakable kingdom, of which I am a grateful citizen. 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.

OVERCOMING DEATH

PSALM 71:20-21 (ABP)
When I'm tottering on the edge of the grave, you'll restore my life.
You'll make me greater and more comfortable than ever.

LUKE 7:14-15 (CEB)
Jesus said,“Young man, I say to you, get up.” 

The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

THE ESSENCE
Jesus' sovereignty extends even to the realm of death. 

DAILY FODDER
Jesus not only temporarily restored dead people back to life but he permanently overcame death himself, paving the way for the permanent bodily restoration of all people.  

PRAYER
Sovereign Lord, I'm grateful that you even control death and that when the time is right we'll all join in your resurrection. Forgive me for living as though death is the final word. Start now restoring eternal life in me so that the fear and culture of death are totally disarmed — even before my resurrection moment. This is life greater than ever. 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.

KINDNESS

JONAH 4:4 (ABP)
GOD replied to Jonah, "What qualifies you to be so angry over my mercy?"

LUKE 6:36 (MSG)
Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

THE ESSENCE
Don't bypass an opportunity to show kindness. 

DAILY FODDER
What God-acceptible criteria is there for disqualifying someone from receiving your kindness and mercy? 

PRAYER
Gracious Lord, there is an incomprehensible wideness to your mercy. I, on the other hand, struggle to muster enough empathy to live out basic kindness. Open my eyes to the depths of your kindness and through the prompting of your Spirit nudge me into that lane. I want to be kind, as you are kind. I can only do that in partnership with 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.

KNOWING THE UNKNOWABLE GOD

1 KINGS 1911-12 (CEB)
A very strong wind tore through the mountains and broke apart the stones before the Lord. But the LORD wasn’t in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake. But the LORD wasn’t in the earthquake. After the earthquake, there was a fire. But the LORD wasn’t in the fire. After the fire, there was a sound. Thin. Quiet.

JOHN 1:18 (GNT)
No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

THE ESSENCE
Even though God is an unknowable mystery, Jesus makes him known. 

DAILY FODDER
If you really really want to know what God is like, you'll  pay attention to Jesus. He's the starting point and ending point for all our inquiry. 

PRAYER
Almighty God, the power in nature alerts us to your presence, even though we can't  see you in nature. But then you make yourself known in a definitive way through Jesus. Forgive us for demanding additional signs. Help me to become a thoroughly committed apprentice of Jesus. I want to know him and make him known. 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.

ADMIT IT

2 SAMUEL 24:10 (MSG)
And David prayed to God, “I have sinned badly in what I have just done. But now God forgive my guilt—I’ve been really stupid.”

1 JOHN 1:9 (MSG)
On the other hand, if we admit our sins—simply come clean about them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.

THE ESSENCE
When we own up to our failures — our sins — God repairs our relationship.

DAILY FODDER
What stands in the way of admitting our sin to God? 

PRAYER
Gracious Lord, some days the realization of the depths of my guilt overwhelms. As I speak my confession, I am cleansed. Gratitude fills my soul from your redeeming words of love. Like David, I continue to pray for any shame or guilt to be removed from my soul. Today is a new beginning! 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 FUTURE

PSALM 31:15 (CEB)
My future is in your hands.

EPHESIANS 5:15 (CEB)
So be careful to live your life wisely, not foolishly.

THE ESSENCE
Live as though your future is really up to God.  

DAILY FODDER
I feel free, knowing that ultimately my future is not my responsibility.  

PRAYER
I'm grateful, God, that you pass along some of your wisdom to us. Forgive me for ignoring it and for trying to make a future on my own. Help me to tune into the wisdom you share as I make choices about the future. I'm going to trust you for my future, indeed, for the future of 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.

PEACE TO YOU

The 2nd Sunday in Eastertide

PSALM 116:7 (CEB)
I tell myself, You can be at peace again,
because the LORD has been good to you.

JOHN 20:26 (MSG)
Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”

THE ESSENCE
There are no doors that can lock out Jesus' peace.  

DAILY FODDER
If nothing can lock out Jesus’ peace, how is it that we continue to struggle with fear and anxiety?

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I'm grateful that you walk through locked doors to offer peace. Forgive us for being so preoccupied with situations that we fail to notice you standing in our midst. Help us to recognize your presence so we can receive your much needed peace. My goal is to help others see how you are present with us during desperate times. 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.

MERCY

PSALM 38:4 (MSG)
I’m swamped by my bad behavior,
collapsed under an avalanche of guilt.

LUKE 23:42-43 (MSG)
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.”
He said, “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise.”

THE ESSENCE
God's mercy is available to all who will accept it. 

DAILY FODDER
Why does God have such a generous policy for extending mercy? Isn’t that counter-produtive for getting people to behave?

PRAYER
I can't fathom the depths of your mercy, God. I still struggle to let go of things that are inconsistent with you and your kingdom. The only thing I can do is lean on your incomprehensible mercy, in the same way the thief on the cross did. It's all about your sacrifice on the cross and nothing about my spiritual accomplishments. Help me to experience the freedom that flows out of your mercy. 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.

ON THE GO

GENESIS 28:13, 15 (MSG)
Then God was right before Jacob, saying, "...Yes. I’ll stay with you, I’ll protect you wherever you go, and I’ll bring you back to this very ground."

LUKE 22:35 (GNT)
Then Jesus asked his disciples, “When I sent you out that time without purse, bag, or shoes, did you lack anything?”

THE ESSENCE
God's people are always in some sense on the go. But he's always present, protecting, and providing for them. 

DAILY FODDER
How has God "sent" you to surprising places? How did he provide for you?  

PRAYER
Jesus, you left your heavenly home to sojourn among us. Because of that we have unimaginable lives — lives in partnership with you. I admit that I feel confused and vulnerable during the times you’ve sent me out on mission to uncomfortable people and places. I expect that you'll continue to stretch me in this way. So fill me with quiet confidence in your provision and presence. I know that even more so than with Jacob, your Holy Spirit resides within to lead and protect. I'm glad to be a part of your mission. 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.

SAYING LESS

ECCLESIASTES 5:2 (MSG)
Don’t shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think.
Don’t be too quick to tell God what you think he wants to hear.
God’s in charge, not you—the less you speak, the better.

MATTHEW 6:8 (MSG)
Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need.

THE ESSENCE
Fast talking gets you nowhere with God.

DAILY FODDER
A 19th-century poet, Mary Ann Pietzker, encouraged us to ask three questions before speaking:

Is it true?

Is it kind?

Is it necessary?

These words were intended to guide us in our discourse with other people, but I wonder if we might not use this wisdom to also guide our conversations with God. It could be good for our own spiritual health to say less.

PRAYER
Thank you for your word, which is a firm foundation in shaping my prayers and worship before you. Your Spirit is helping me in my weakness as I pray for your guidance. I'm sorry I speak out of turn without thinking. Watch the door of my lips to measure my words. Keep me grounded in your love and grace. 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.

REFLECTING COMPASSION

ZECHARIAH 7:10 (GNT)
Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners who live among you, or anyone else in need.

MATTHEW 25:34-35 (CEB)
Then the king will say to those on his right, "Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me."

THE ESSENCE
Any system under the influence of Jesus will prioritize the basic care of marginalized people.

DAILY FODDER
Wait a minute, this sounds a lot like the Daily Texts from yesterday. Indeed, some of the Matthew text is the same. But it shouldn't surprise us that this theme of caring for the poor and marginalized comes up so often. We often gloss over it when we read but this is a major recurring theme in the Bible, and a central aspect of Jesus' gospel. 

PRAYER
Compassionate God, I'm grateful that you care so deeply for hurting and marginalized people. I confess that I'm more judgmental than caring. "If they’d only do such and such they wouldn't have these problems." Deliver me from this kind of judgmental indifference. Give me a heart for the weak and vulnerable. I want to reflect your compassion through my 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.

COMPASSIONATE

DEUTERONOMY 10:18-19 (CEB)
The Lord enacts justice for orphans and widows, and he loves immigrants, giving them food and clothing. That means you must also love immigrants because you were immigrants in Egypt.

MATTHEW 25:34, 36 (CEB)
Then the king will say to those on his right, "Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began... I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear."

THE ESSENCE
Any system under the influence of Jesus will prioritize the basic care of marginalized people.

DAILY FODDER
Are there any conditions mentioned about who qualifies for care?

PRAYER
Compassionate God, thank you for looking out for us when we're weak and vulnerable. Forgive us for exalting power over compassion. Realign our priorities so that we’re eagerly caring for orphans, widows, immigrants, the hungry, the under-clothed — all who are without. I know that these are your priorities and of your work among us. I know that you reward compassion above all other forms of success. 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.

SHIELD

DEUTERONOMY 32:10 (NLT)
He surrounded them and watched over them;
he guarded them as he would guard his own eyes.

ROMANS 8:38-39 (MSG)
I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

THE ESSENCE
Jesus wraps us in his protective hug. 

DAILY FODDER
From what do you need Jesus to shield you?

PRAYER
Lord, you shield me with your righteous hand, keeping me from the powers that could separate me from you. Thank you for watching over me with such focus. I am sorry I live in dread and worry instead of being convinced that all things are in your hands. Help my unbelief! 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.

PUTTING DOWN THE LAST ENEMY

EASTER – RESURRECTION SUNDAY

PSALM 23:5 (CEB)
You set a table for me
right in front of my enemies.
You bathe my head in oil;
my cup is so full it spills over!

1 CORINTHIANS 15:26 (REB)
The last enemy to be deposed is death.

THE ESSENCE
Death, the last enemy, is eradicated on Easter.

DAILY FODDER
Is there anything about death that scares you?  At what point does the fear of death lose its grip?

PRAYER
Resurrected Savior, I celebrate your victory. Save me from any lingering concerns about death. I'm not ready to transition, yet, but I know that because of you death has lost its stinger. If I have to face death today I'll step forward with resurrection confidence. 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.

PLENTY OF ROOM

PSALM 84:1 (NRSVUE)
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD of hosts!

JOHN 14:2 (MSG)
There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you?

THE ESSENCE
God has a great home, to which he is preparing to welcome us.

DAILY FODDER
Jesus is the host, ushering us into God's home. He wants to live with us. ¡Mi casa es tu casa!

PRAYER
Jesus, you're an exceptional host — sacrificing your life to welcome us into life in your Father’s estate. Forgive us for setting our sights too low — looking for earth-bound mansions and castles. Encourage us with the big picture and the promise of a home with you. On this dark Saturday I'm enjoying this lift. 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.

RESPONDING TO THE DARKNESS

Good Friday

PSALM 117:1 (CEB)
Praise the LORD, all you nations!
Worship him, all you peoples!

REVELATION 5:12 (MSG)
The slain Lamb is worthy!
Take the power, the wealth, the wisdom, the strength!
Take the honor, the glory, the blessing!

THE ESSENCE
The slain Lamb is worthy of all our praise, honor, gratitude, and total allegiance. 

DAILY FODDER
There is a kind of darkness that hovers over Good Friday. It's sobering. But it doesn’t drag us down because we know that Sunday is coming. So, our best response to the moment is praise, honor, gratitude, and total allegiance. 

PRAYER
Jesus, as you are lifted up on the cross, I receive an emblem of courage. I desire to give of myself and bring others to witness your act of love. Forgive me for waiting in the wings and not joining in the chorus of praising your worthiness, power, and strength. I can do all things through you. Praise and thanks! 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.

THROUGH ONE MAN

Maundy Thursday

PSALM 146:5 (ABP)
Those who have the God of Jacob to help them are truly happy. These hopeful people are GOD-dependent.

MATTHEW 26:27-28 (GNT)
Then Jesus took a cup, gave thanks to God, and gave it to them. “Drink it, all of you,” he said; "this is my blood, which seals God's covenant, my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins...."

THE ESSENCE
The people who relate to God through the sacrifice of Christ are the truly happy.  

DAILY FODDER
There is irony in how we find full lives through the death of one perfect man. 

PRAYER
In this new commandment I hear again how you forgive me and bring hope for this Easter weekend. Thank you for taking the cup of suffering for my sake and pouring out your lifeblood for me. I am filled with remorse for the state of the world but still there's  joy, knowing your covenant redeems and overcomes it all. 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.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

PSALM 35:18 (MSG)
I will give you full credit
when everyone gathers for worship;
When the people turn out in force
I will say my Hallelujahs.

PHILIPPIANS 2:11 (GNT)
All will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

THE ESSENCE
We discover our place in the world as we openly acknowledge who Christ is. 

DAILY FODDER
In the ancient Roman world the government expected people to acknowledge the emperor's divinity by proclaiming "Ceasar is Lord." How would the statement "Jesus Christ is Lord" be understood in that context? What does that statement mean today?

PRAYER
Great God, it's easy to praise you when the church is gathered. Forgive me for being less open about the lordship of Jesus during the rest of the week. Give me wisdom and courage to openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord. And since he is Lord, I'm trusting that it will happen strategically, appropriately, and in a way that honors him alone. 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.