Scripture reading
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.”
–Matthew 6:6
Thought of the Day
I hope you watched all or part of the inauguration on Saturday of President Bush. Whether republican or democrat, one could not help but feel proud to be an American as the events of the day took place. As President Bush took the oath of office, I thought back over history of all the Presidents who had before him said those very same words. The simple oath, composed of only forty words or so, “connected” him with those who stood before him. Washington and Jefferson and Lincoln and others all stood before the country repeating those familiar words, “I do solemnly swear to uphold…”
After I thought of all the patriots who were “connected” by the oath, I thought of some other words that connect. The Gospel of Matthew contains some words that are also pretty familiar. They are words that as we repeat them, “connect” us with some pretty important people who have repeated them before us. People like Peter, and Andrew and the other disciples. People like Mary and Martha. Pillars of faith like Paul and Martin Luther and John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. Those words that connect begin, “Our Father, in Heaven…”
Prayer
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be thy 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 yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory. Amen.