Praying To Live With Few But Helpful Words

While the actual quote is in question, St Francis of Assisi has the following attributed to him:  preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.

Our local health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry is now famous for her “Be calm. Be Kind. Be Safe.”  Six little words but they help all of us remember some important things during this time of the pandemic. 

When Jesus’ followers wanted to know how to pray, one of the things He told them was that prayer’s effectiveness wasn’t about the number of words used:

When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

Matthew 6:7

The prophet Micah sorted out what was important for us to focus on each day in order to please God.  He managed to get it all said in 14 words.

O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

Jesus kept it simple as well when His disciples asked Him what we needed to do in order to do the work of God when He said: 

The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.

John 6:29

Today we find a prayer in Psalm 19 that is just a few words as well but one which helps us set our hearts, minds, and mouth in the right direction.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. 

Psalm 19:14

Our Father

Which art in heaven

Hallowed by Your name

Your kingdom come

Your will be done

On earth

As it is in heaven.

Give us this day

Our daily bread

And forgive us

Our trespasses

As we forgive

Those who trespass

Against us.

And lead us not

Into temptation

But deliver us

From evil.

For thine is the kingdom

And the power

And the glory

For ever and ever.

Amen

Help us: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Lord Jesus, Give us faith:  to believe in the one God has sent.

Help us today to: seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, and relax in the knowledge that when we do all these things will be given to us as well.

May these words of our mouths and this meditation of our hearts be pleasing in your sight, Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer.