Today’s Word

The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need.

With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
“Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are”. Matthew 6:7-9 (MSG)

Today’s Reflection

Today’s scripture version is a paraphrase called the Message. In a paraphrase the translator is afforded the freedom to render the scripture into today’s idiom and cultural context. In other words in a good paraphrase (and the Message is a very, very good one) we can often more easily grasp what the Bible is saying. In fact from that perspective there is a sense in which a paraphrase is more ‘accurate’ than a word for word translation in communicating the truth of what the passage is saying.

Notice then how The Message renders the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer. Instead of “hallowed be Thy Name”, we pray “Reveal who You are”.

Now I get it. When I go to work, the unemployment line, mom’s play group, the YMCA, out to dinner, or home, my job first and foremost is to “reveal who you (God in Jesus Christ) are”.

I was asked recently to write down 5 things that I am (man, husband, etc). It occurred to me the most important of them is “Christian”. I am first and foremost a Christian, one who’s task it is to reveal Jesus.

How did it go for you today? Take a moment to review your day. Did your thoughts, words, actions, attitude, reveal Jesus or conceal Jesus? If the former, you were blessed and were a blessing. If the latter, a little face time in the mirror is never a bad thing. Confess it, repent of it and do tomorrow better.

Prayer

“Our Father in Heaven, reveal who you are. Reveal yourself to me. Reveal yourself through me. And when necessary reveal yourself in spite of me. I love you Father. Amen”