Hope When You Feel Overlooked - Your Nightly Prayer - June 22nd

Sophia Bricker

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Your Nightly Prayer

Hope When You Feel Overlooked
Your Nightly Prayer
by Sophia Bricker

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

"Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." - Matthew 6:4, NLT

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Can you imagine what the widow felt as she put her last coins into the temple treasury? We are not specifically told in the Bible about her emotions, but we know that she gave everything she had that day in worship of the Lord. Here was a woman in a vulnerable position. She had no husband to provide for her, and no children are specifically mentioned. And from the amount she gave––which seemed little compared to the riches thrown in by the wealthy––this widow was poor. Most people would overlook her. But Jesus didn’t. He noticed what this woman did and pointed out the costly gift she gave. As He told the disciples,

“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” - Mark 12:43-44, NIV

The widow’s hidden act of sacrifice was noticed and cherished by God. Her story points us back to the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus contrasted religious deeds done to earn human praise with acts of devotion rightly done for the praise of God alone (see Matthew 6:1-18). In our giving, praying, and fasting, we are not to seek the applause of men as the religious leaders did. They acted solely to be noticed by others. Instead, Jesus encourages us to act in secret, being willing to go unnoticed, trusting that the Lord sees all. If we feel overlooked, we can take heart. The Lord sees every faithful step. And He is the only one we should be aiming to please–not performing for the eyes of others. May we continue in our quiet faithfulness, trusting that we will reap a harvest. God will reward us for every act done in love and obedience, delighting in our worshipful service.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Father,
I often feel like the poor widow whose life was marked by scarcity and loss. Others often overlook me, failing to notice the ways I contribute and strive to serve in love. But Your Word reorients me. To work for the approval of others goes against what Your Son taught.
I want to learn from the widow who gave all she had, living generously without thought for the opinions or praise of others. When I feel upset that others overlook me, help me to remember that You see all. I am seeking eternal treasure that will not fade, since those who do righteous deeds for the approval of others have already gained their reward. Remind me anew of the hope and blessing found in being a faithful servant who is unnoticed–for You see me and delight in the offering in my hands. In Your Son’s name, I pray.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

Someone you admire for generosity and kindness. What stands out to you about that person? Does he or she announce their good deeds or act in quiet faithfulness?
A verse, story, or painting that encourages you not to grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). For example, the passage about the widow’s offering or a painting that depicts an unnoticed worker, like the usher in New York Movie by Edward Hopper. How might the passage or piece of art inspire hope?
The example of our Lord Jesus. Crowds flocked after Him, but He often withdrew by Himself. Since he was not here to be served but to serve, how does this impact your view of helping others?

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Benjamin Voros

Sophia Bricker Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.

For the one who is weary without answers. If you’re still showing up and still praying — but starting to wonder if it’s working — this 90-day devotional will meet you right there, with honesty and Scripture in place of easy answers.