LET MY WORDS BE FEW

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

Jesus also told a story about a notorious sinner – a tax collector – and how when he went to church to pray and to seek the forgiveness for his sins he prayed this heartfelt prayer that got positive results:

God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Luke 18:13

During these days of record high inflation that seems so much higher in the grocery store and at the gas pump than the numbers the government compiles, and with so many individuals and families wondering when there will be another paycheck and how they will continue to put a roof over their heads and food on the table Jesus also taught us a most important principle with these 18 words:

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

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

And now we pray with the words that Jesus gave His friends when they asked Him to teach them how to pray:

Our Father, Who 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