Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Ps. 143:8
Dear heavenly Father, King David’s words remind me that there’s no better way to begin every day (and continue it) than by feasting at the grand buffet of the gospel. There’s no nutrient I need more than the fresh manna of your grace. No taste is alluring, or aromatic, as the assurance of your welcome, presence, and affection. Of all the sweet breads from the great bakeries of the world, none can compare with the Bread of Heaven.
But Father, I’m not just looking to be satisfied, as a hungry man in a restaurant; I’m a needy man, who daily requires your unfailing love for the opportunities and challenges of the day—including this day.
For apart from the provision of gospel manna, I’ll whine more than I’ll worship, and I’ll judge people more than I’ll seek to understand them. Without fresh served-up grace, I’ll be way too self-preoccupied and way less other-centered and caring. Unless I drink from the artesian spring of living water, I’ll react selfishly to irritants, rather than responding graciously and patiently.
I’ll talk more than I listen, and take more than I give. I’ll think about me more highly than I should, and I’ll think of you less often than you deserve. I won’t risk anything for your glory; I’ll do just enough to get by, for my comfort. Apart from the banquet of the gospel, I’ll be reaching for junk food all day long—literally and figuratively.
Father, because of your unfailing love for us in Jesus, I have put my trust in you; and I do lift my soul up to you, right now. Show me the way I should go this very day. Show me what thinking, feeling, and choosing in line with the truth of the gospel requires of me today, and then give me the freedom and strength to do so. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ beautiful and bountiful name.