Entrusted: Your First 35 Days as a Steward

Day 10 of 35 · Week 2: Stewardship of Faith and Spiritual Growth

Talking With Your Father

Prayer is not a performance. It is a conversation with your Father.

Jesus warned against praying to be seen or piling up words to impress God. Instead, He said, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. He knows what you need before you ask.

Then Jesus gave a simple pattern. We call it the Lord's Prayer. It is not a magic formula. It is a shape you can pray through in your own words:

• Our Father: Start with who He is to you.
• Your kingdom come: Ask for His will before yours.
• Give us today our daily bread: Bring your real needs.
• Forgive us as we forgive: Be honest about sin and release others.
• Lead us not into temptation: Ask for strength for what is ahead.

Notice the word daily. Jesus expects prayer to be ordinary and regular, not saved for emergencies.

You do not need special words. You can pray in the car, at your desk, or while you wash dishes. God hears plain words from honest hearts.

Prayer is also stewardship. Your attention is one of the most valuable things you have. Giving it to God first is an act of trust.

Pray

Father, thank You that I can talk to You like a child talks to a good father. Teach me to pray. Let Your kingdom come in my life today. Give me what I need, forgive me, and help me forgive. Lead me away from temptation. Amen.

Today's Scripture (NIV)

• Matthew 6:5-13