From September 2 to November 25 we will be writing reflections based on the scripture passage, Luke 11:1-13 and its theme of Prayer. We will take one verse per week and invite you to join us in first meditating and digesting this passage slowly using lectio divina and then read the reflection. Our writers will be sharing testimony of how this scripture has impacted their lives personally.
For those new to our community, lectio divina is a traditional monastic practice of engaging with Scripture not just for intellectual understanding but to allow the Word of God to speak to the heart and transform our lives. It involves prayerfully reading the scripture four times, pausing to notice the following:
- Read the verse and listen for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights for you.
- Read the verse and ask the question, how is my life touched by this word? What in my life needs to hear this word?
- Read the verse and ask what is my response to God because of what I have read and encountered? What am I feeling, talk to God about it, listen to Him, feel His uninterrupted love and attention toward you and follow His lead in any way He is prompting you to respond.
- Read and rest in the Word and resolve to live it out.
Listen:
Give us each day our daily bread. (Luke 11:3)
Reflect:
Our daily bread.
Not weekly.
Not when we feel like it.
Daily.
Our daily needs are abundant. This prayer is a reminder that we are to live in daily dependence on God. Just as the Israelites received fresh manna each day in the wilderness, God desires the same for us. That we would seek Him daily and trust in His provision.
We recently packed up our family, moved to a different part of the state, started a new business and are settling into a new house, new schools and new community. Lots of change, and lots of unknown. What recently felt steady, now feels unpredictable.
Throughout this season of transition, oftentimes I have relied on my own ability to plan, instead of God’s provision. I have compromised my peace for today with the worries and needs for tomorrow.
This verse has become a cornerstone in bringing me back to the present moment; today. God cares so deeply for our physical, spiritual and emotional needs. His presence, strength and word will sustain us as we daily commune with Him. As we move throughout our day, let us bring our worries and cares to our Father who knows exactly what we need and when we need it. May our faith be increased as we see Him at work and recognize His presence.
Prayer of Response:
Lord, give us exactly what we need today. Open our hearts to what you want to teach us about trust, dependence and our daily provision. You are with us now and you are a generous Father. Help us to walk in faith. Amen.
Questions to Ponder:
- What need can you bring to God today?
- What would change in your heart if you truly believe God gives enough for each day?
Breath Prayers:
Join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale(Breathe in): Give us today
Exhale(Breathe out): Our daily bread.
Inhale (Breath in:) Not by my plan
Exhale (Breath out:) But by Your hand
—Submitted by: Trina Visscher
Trina and her husband Forrest live in Klamath Falls, OR with their two children. Trina is a stay-at-home mom to her son, Beau (5) and daughter, Lyla (3) and is finding ways to pour into her new community.