Practicing Dependence - Your Nightly Prayer - February 20th
Practicing Dependence
Your Nightly Prayer
by Amber Ginter
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” - Matthew 4:4
SOMETHING TO PONDER
When I was in middle school, I loved taking communion at my church. Because my mom was the Sunday school teacher, we always received it privately in the classroom. As her daughter, I would help fill up the cups with grape juice and distribute the homemade bread.
What's embarrassing for me to admit, however, is that as soon as we were done, I would ask for more bread. I don't know how to describe it, but it was the kind that melted on your tongue. Looking back, I regret my actions. Why? Because I wish I had focused more on Jesus' sacrifice than on gaining an extra snack.
In Matthew 4:4, we read that man doesn't live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. This is a steadfast reminder that fasting, communion, and sacred practices aren't about giving something up, but learning to lean into God's Word to sustain us.
Bread is awesome. It's pretty filling and comes in a variety of flavors. But God's Word is eternal and steadfast. It will never mold, expire, or go bad. Just like God's people learned to collect enough manna for one day, we, too, must become dependent on God and His Word daily—just on Sunday morning once a week isn't enough.
Instead of longing for physical bread or things that will eventually rot, fade, or disappear, long for that which will last forever: "Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens" (Psalm 119:89, NIV). Little Amber, grabbing an extra piece of bread meant no harm. But adult Amber today has learned to long for that which truly satisfies—the eternal Word of God.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear God, most of us are tempted to cling to things in this world that look satisfying, but really only leave us hungry and empty inside. Today, please fill us with more of you and your eternal Word. Help us to practice full dependence on you, and remind us that whatever it is you call us to give up, we can find full satisfaction in you. Help us to lean on you and your Word and grow closer in fellowship with you. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Take time to research the art of fasting. If you can't abstain from food, choose to give up something else (TV, social media, desserts, etc). During that extra time, read God's Word and commit yourself to memorizing a Scripture or two.
2. Journal about the first time you took communion. If you can't remember, just jot down what you last remember. Ask God to purify your heart and to enable you to focus on that which lasts.
3. Do you find yourself chasing after things that don't eternally satisfy? Bring these confessions to the Lord and then worship Him in song. Rest assured that the Lord is faithful to forgive, and He loves you.
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/Genessa Panainte
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