From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Nov 22, 2023 at 5:34 AM

Subject: 11-22-23 THOUGHTS

11-22-23 THOUGHTS
              We will take a break from the morning post until Thursday 11-29-23.  Love you!

Matt 6:1 begins the idea that each of our good works is to be done so as to not draw attention to ourselves.  IT’S NOT ABOUT US!  If we want the attention of men, we error!  A pure and humble heart before an awesomely loving God is the goal.  Let God do the blessing!  We think with Jesus about our praying this morning.  Our privacy theme is emphasized,  as is “our thinking as we pray”  instead of a memorized ritual.  Verse 9 begins an example.  It is not a template to be repeated, but an example of things we should pray for.  It is not process that is emphasized, but HEART and MIND!  God is to be Hallowed!  Verses 14-15 emphasize our forgiving nature in relation to our being forgiven by God.  

Matt 6:5-15    "When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6  "But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7  "And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8  "So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.  

9 ¶  "Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.  10  ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. 11  ‘Give us this day our daily bread. 12  ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13  ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [[For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]]’  
14  "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15  "But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

My Prayer:
Father God, teach us to pray from the deepest parts of our being. May our hearts extend to You with all that we have.  How marvelous is this gift from You, O God.  You,  in Your might and power and wisdom, want to know what is in our hearts.  What are we, that You are so mindful of us?  Thank You, Lord.   May we learn the preciousness of this connection and relationship.  May we never take it for granted.  Help us to grow closer to You each day as we pray.  We want to abide in You, and You in us.  What a God we have!  Hallowed be Your name.  May fear and reverence always be our approach to Your throne.  We want to praise You forever.       In the name of our Savior,      Amen.