THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus
Thursday, September 5, 2024

Lord, coming to you in prayers, at times I just don’t know what to say. Kids in my generation who grew up in religious homes remember our folks, church people, deacons or fire-and-brimstone preachers always used the King James English when they prayed publicly or before meals. Prayers were formal. We thought you paid closer attention to prayers containing flowery theological phrases spoken in a deeper voice. A prayer wasn’t considered official unless numerous “thee’s” and “thou’s” were scattered throughout the dialogue. Some religious organizations use prayer books with written prayers that parishioners mindlessly read on Sundays while wondering what’s for lunch and who are the Cowboys playing.

Your disciples asked you to teach them how to pray. Thank you for not making it complicated. You didn’t use language that the aristocrats or religious rulers used to impress those who heard them pray. You even suggested slipping away to pray privately, not drawing unwanted attention to themselves (Matthew 6:1–18).

Keep it simple. Just talk to God as if he were sitting next to you. In reality, he is. Tell our heavenly Father how great and glorious he is and that his “supreme will” may be done throughout the earth, and people will come to know him and be added into his kingdom. Ask him to meet our needs the way he chooses, often to our surprise. Forgive our sins and empower us to forgive those who have offended us. And make us more like you. Amen.

Thank you, Jesus, for meeting us where we are. And thank you for listening to our simple prayers from our grateful hearts. Amen.