Daily Devotional for May 20, 2016

May 20 ~ Matthew 6:7-13
“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.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
    as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
    Yes. Yes. Yes.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

This morning, I gave our 3½-year-old nephew, Nathan, a can of Play-doh®, some cookie cutters, a plastic knife left over from a take-out food order, a rolling pin and cutting mat, and some toothpicks.  While I worked in the kitchen, he spent about 45 minutes making all sorts of characters, including a birthday cake with “toothpick candles,” countless snakes…and other interesting characters and shapes.

We have many things at our house for the children to play with…but they are all pretty simple and basic – blocks, art supplies, puzzles, dolls, “dress-up” clothes, and lots of books.  We feel that this fosters creativity and helps the children learn to “use what you already have.”  And in many ways, this is what Jesus is telling us in this Matthew 6:7-13 (often referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer”).  You have everything you need to effectively communicate with God.  You don’t need the latest “formula” from a leading Bible scholar…the lessons of a popular author/speaker who creates Bible studies and simulcasts…the newest releases from Christian musicians…or even a prayer partner or intercessor.  You just need to stop and talk to God – and use the simple outline found in these verses.

I am a big fan of the KISS method of doing things – Keep It Simple, Silly!  (Okay, the last “S” stands for another word, but I’m trying to be nice here!)  Whenever you get stymied about how to talk to God – or wonder what to say or where to begin – simply start here, with these words…“Our Father in heaven…reveal who you are”…or even “Come, Lord Jesus.” 

Too often, we are more concerned with making a point than making a difference…especially when it comes to our relationship with God.  Let’s make a concerted effort to dial it down…to simplify and strip bare before Him.  Let’s stand before God as a lone can of Play-doh® with a handful of basic “tools” in our arsenal…and prepare to be amazed at what He can create.  Are you with me?

©2016 Debbie Robus