The full Lord’s Prayer, recorded in Matthew 6:9-13, reads as follows:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your 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 debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

This prayer outlines core tenants of the Christian faith – acknowledging God’s sovereignty, seeking His kingdom, asking for provision and forgiveness, and requesting deliverance from evil. The petition for daily bread is smack in the middle, indicating its importance.

Bread has always been a staple food and symbolizes God’s faithful provision. When we ask for “daily bread,” we’re asking to be sustained just for today. It’s a prayer for our needs, not our greeds. This request teaches us to rely on God daily and find contentment in each day’s provision.

The History and Significance of the “Daily Bread” Petition

References to bread as our sustenance abound in Scripture. In the Old Testament, manna from heaven sustained the Israelites in the wilderness. Jesus later proclaimed Himself as “the bread of life” and the Word of God as our true bread from heaven.

In the 1st century Jewish context of the Lord’s Prayer, bread represented your entire livelihood and daily sustenance. Asking God for daily bread was asking Him to provide for and sustain you each day. This petition reflected the precarious nature of life at the time – famine and starvation were common. Many lived day to day, relying on God to provide enough food for their families.

Jesus instructs his disciples to pray for daily bread, reminding us to humbly rely on God for provision, not riches. Similarly, we can bring Him our needs and trust that He will faithfully sustain us each day. The “daily bread” petition continues to be relevant today as we’re faced with economic uncertainty, poverty, unemployment and hunger in the world. It’s a prayer for God to meet our basic needs as we seek His kingdom first.

The lesson remains – don’t be consumed by anxiety over the future. Instead, ask God to sustain you today. Find contentment and thanksgiving for the daily blessings He provides. Tomorrow’s needs can wait until tomorrow. Approach each day with gratitude and freedom from worry.

Bringing the “Daily Bread” Prayer Into Our Lives

This profound yet simple petition has much wisdom for our lives today. Here are some ways we can apply the “daily bread” prayer:

• Pray it each morning to start your day mindful of relying on God’s provision.
• When faced with anxiety over finances, future needs or greed, remember to ask for just “daily bread.”
• Practice contentment in looking at your needs met for today. Don’t keep wanting more.
• Thank God throughout the day for providing your “daily bread” – whether literal food or other needs met.
• Remember that true life is not defined by possessions or wealth. Don’t make money or earthly things your priority.
• Trust that God promises to sustain you each day. Have faith in His daily grace and mercy towards you.
• Let go of worrying about tomorrow. Focus on doing God’s will today and trusting Him to provide for tomorrow’s needs then.

The simple petition for “daily bread” contains profound truth to shape our priorities, trust, gratitude and contentment. May we continually bring this prayer to God, relying on Him to provide what we need today and finding freedom from anxiety about tomorrow.CopyRetry

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Why Belongingness Matters

There are many reasons why cultivating a sense of belonging within a church community is so important. Here are just a few:

1. It helps people fully engage in worship. When we feel like we belong, we are more likely to participate wholeheartedly in worship services through singing, praying, listening, and responding. We feel comfortable being our authentic selves.
2. It encourages spiritual growth. Developing meaningful relationships and connecting regularly with fellow believers provides accountability, support, and encouragement for continued spiritual formation.
3. It meets our need for community. Humans are created for relationship. Finding a church home helps satisfy our longing for camaraderie, understanding, and shared purpose.
4. It reinforces our identity in Christ. Knowing there are others on this faith journey with us reminds us we are not alone. We are secure in God’s love.
5. It enables us to live out the gospel. When we feel accepted and cared for, we are more empowered to extend that same grace to others. Belonging fuels our mission.
6. It boosts overall wellbeing. Studies show that having strong social connections and a sense of belonging to a community contributes to better physical and mental health.

How Churches Can Cultivate Belonging

With so much hinging on belonging, churches should make this a top priority. Here are some practical ways church leaders and members can help attenders feel welcomed, included, and valued as part of the congregation:

• Greet people warmly. Say hello to newcomers, learn their names, and introduce them to others. This simple act makes a powerful statement that they matter. Train greeters to look for new faces.
• Provide name tags. Name tags help break the ice and promote connections. Have attendees wear them each week.
• Start a welcome team. Designate members specifically to help welcome new people, answer questions, and help them get connected. Follow up with contacts.
• Create a pathway to belonging. Develop clear next steps for how newcomers can get involved in small groups, serving opportunities, classes, and ministry teams. Make the process to belong obvious.
• Schedule inclusion moments. During worship services or small groups, intentionally facilitate opportunities for greeting one another, sharing prayer requests, or discussing reflection questions that help people open up.
• Develop a culture of hospitality. Encourage members to invite others to sit with them and go out of their way to talk with those outside their normal social circles.
• Offer diverse programming. Ensure your church offers various programs and small groups that appeal to a wide demographic. Having options that align with different ages, life stages, interests, and needs makes more people feel included.
• Assess barriers to participation. Consider if you have unnecessary obstacles like rigid dress codes, insider language, age segregation, or difficulty finding spaces that hinder bonding and engagement from those new to your community.
• Provide mentorship. Pair new attendees and members with “big brothers and sisters” who can guide them, introduce them to others, and support them as they integrate into the church.
• Preach on belonging. Have pastors regularly emphasize the importance of community, how valued each person is, and the call to make room for all in God’s family. Stress this virtue from the pulpit.
• Share stories of those who found belonging. When people describe how the congregation embraced them and helped them heal and grow in faith, it affirms to others they can experience the same here.
• Evaluate regularly. Conduct focus groups and surveys to assess if your attendees truly feel connected and involved. Ask what else could improve their sense of belonging. Be willing to adapt.

Moving Forward in Community

Cultivating an unmistakable culture of belonging within our churches is not always easy, but incredibly worthwhile. As leadership casts vision for being an intentionally welcoming and inclusive community, and as members live this out in their everyday interactions, people are drawn closer to God and one another. They find healing and purpose in the gift of doing life together. When it comes to growing God’s kingdom, belonging comes before believing. Let us do the hard work to make sure all who enter our doors feel they have found their place.

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When is the best time to invoke prayers of strength and wisdom?

Well, we could all use help on those fronts every day!

But …

There comes a time in every life when you feel beaten down and are confused about what to do next. How do you move forward and begin to climb out from that sort of nadir?

For Christians, at least part of the solution is to lean on prayers for strength and wisdom.

But … if you’re wiped out and your mind is spinning, you might have trouble even putting your requests into words.

Truth is, you probably don’t need to stress about that too much — just do your best, and God will have your back.

But you can certainly look for inspiration in the prayers of others, and that’s why I’ve collected these 25 prayers for strength and wisdom here.

Use them as they are, or use them to weave together your own prayers.

And if you like this sort of collection, let me know and I’ll add more of them to the site.

Gracious God, only source of life and health: Help, comfort, and relieve me, and give your power of healing to those who minister to my needs; that my weakness may be turned to strength and confidence in your loving care; for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Episcopal prayer

I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.

Paul’s letter in Ephesians, 3:16–17

God, you are my help and comfort; you shelter and surround me in love so tender that I may know your presence with me, now and always. Amen.

Episcopal prayer

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

Paul’s second letter in Thessalonians 2:16–17

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance. Forgive me for getting ahead of Your plans, and help me know when to stop and listen for Your direction. Your ways are perfect, Lord. Thank You for offering gentle grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Kristine Brown

Blessed Jesus, in the comfort of your love, I lay before you the memories that haunt me, the anxieties that perplex me, the despair that frightens me, and my frustration at my inability to think clearly. Help me to discover your forgiveness in my memories and know your peace in my distress. Touch me, O Lord, and fill me with your light and your hope. Amen.

Episcopal prayer

Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear guardian angel, and all you saints of God, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell.

Catholic prayer

Inspired with this confidence, we turn to thee, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother. To thee we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, do not despise our petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer us. Amen.

Catholic prayer

Lord, thank You for the people You have divinely placed in my life who speak holy truth, love and words of wisdom. Give me a heart of discernment to know when You are using someone to speak instruction into my heart and my circumstances, and give me the strength and courage to follow through with that advice, even when it’s hard. Fill me with peace in knowing that even if I take a wrong turn, Your purpose will prevail. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Tracie Miles

Lord, our God, we are in the shadow of your wings. Protect us and bear us up. You will care for us as if we were little children, even to our old age. When you are our strength, we are strong; but when we are our own strength, we are weak. We now return to you, O Lord, that we may never turn away again. Amen

St. Augustine of Hippo

Breathe in me O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.

St. Augustine of Hippo

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Episcopal prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Reinhold Niebuhr

O Lord, we are at the limits of our power to help. For what we have left undone, forgive us. For what you have helped us to do, we thank you. For what must be done by others, lend your strength. Now shelter us in your peace which passes our understanding. Amen.

Episcopal prayer

Lord, I’m here today with open hands and an open heart, ready to depend on you to help me through the day and all it will bring my way. Help me be like Nehemiah, help me come to you for guidance, strength, provision and protection. As I face tough choices and hard situations, help me remember my belovedness, help me remember that I am Your child and Your representative to the world around me. Help me live today in a way that brings honor to Your holy name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Charles Stanley

God, you are our hiding place and our refuge in the time of distress. We turn to you now, seeking comfort from the wounds of the world and power to face all our afflictions. Be present in our struggle, and help us to rest in your eternal promises. Amen.

United Church of Christ Prayer

Dear God, please give me strength when I am weak, love when I feel forsaken, courage when I am afraid, wisdom when I feel foolish, comfort when I am alone, hope when I feel rejected, and peace when I am in turmoil. Amen.

Soul of Christ, make me holy. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, fill me with love. Water from Christ’s side, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. Good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds, hide me. Never let me be parted from you. Amen.

Catholic prayer

Lord Christ, you came into the world as one of us, and suffered as we do. As I go through the trials of life, help me to realize that you are with me at all times and in all things; that I have no secrets from you; and that your loving grace enfolds me for eternity. In the security of your embrace I pray. Amen.

Episcopal prayer

When evil darkens our world, give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When doubts assail us, give us faith. When nothing seems sure, give us trust. When ideals fade, give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide! That we may find serenity in Your presence, and purpose in doing Your will.

John D. Rayner

O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Cardinal John Henry Newman

O God my refuge and strength: in this place of unrelenting light and noise, enfold me in your holy darkness and silence, that I may rest secure under the shadow of your wings. Amen.

Episcopal prayer

Lord, I pray you would move the Spirit more boldly in my life. I know that any sin can grieve and diminish the voice of the Spirit, and I pray against the temptation to sin. Help me crave your presence more than I crave sin. Help me grow in the fruit of the Spirit and so walk closer with Yourself. I pray for guidance from your Spirit- let your will and promises always be a meditation of my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Kenny Luck

O Lord, You are the light that guides my feet. You are the map that gives me direction. You are the peace that makes me strong. You are the leader whom I faithfully follow. May your light illuminate my life and your guidance bring direction. May I find inspiration in your word and peace in my heart as I follow you. Amen.

The post 25 Inspirational Prayers for Strength and Wisdom from God appeared first on Late Faith.

But sometimes … well, words are hard to come by, or time slips away.

The good news here is that you don’t need the perfect words or all the time in the word to thank our Lord for all the fruits of his glory.

To illustrate the point, these ten short prayers of thanks can get you thinking of simple ways to show your appreciation. All you need is a seed and your sincere gratitude.

Heavenly Father …

Thank you for the many blessings you have brought into our lives and for continuing to light our paths each day. May we continue to seek your strength and wisdom in all matters even when our days are darker than today, and even when our wills are weak. May we praise you for the rest of our days. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Dear Lord …

We thank you, Father, for the abundance you shower upon us each day, and we acknowledge that we are worthy of your kindness by your grace alone, not by any deed of our own. Our eternal salvation is a blessing that we cannot comprehend while here on this earth, but we exalt your sacrifice and the glory of your magnanimous gift through your son, our Lord Jesus Christ. In your powerful name, Amen.

Dear God …

Thank you, Lord, for giving us this time together, and for the opportunity to rejoice in your glory as we reflect on the blessings in our lives. We ask, Father, that you continue to fill our hearts with gratitude as we partake of this meal and enjoy each other’s company. Go with us into the rest of our day and guide us with the wisdom to do your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Faithful Father …

I kneel before you in thanksgiving for the splendors of this world and, particularly, for the many blessings you have brought into my life. I accept and acknowledge all that is bright and good fills my heart by the grace of your mercy, and I commit my faith to our Lord Jesus. By your mercy, Amen.

Mighty God …

The glory of your creations never ceases to fill my heart with wonder, and I thank you for the bounty you have heaped into my life. By your profound guidance alone am I blessed to make sound choices, and I pray that you continue to lead me in the direction of your will. I vow my undying faith and deepest gratitude to you and your son, my Lord Jesus. In your powerful name, Amen.

O Lord my God …

I reach out to you this morning with gratitude for the bountiful blessings with which you have filled my life, and I ask that you continue to guide me toward understanding and a humble appreciation for the power and grace you bestow upon the world. Thank you, Father, for the sacrifice of your son Jesus, and I pray that I have clarity and strength to carry out your will on this beautiful day. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Lord my Rock …

Thank you for standing beside me through my life, and for holding me tight in my darkest hours. I know that your true love and abiding strength will carry me through the storms ahead, just as they have guided me through the tribulations of the past. I pledge my faith and love to you forever, o Lord, and lift you up in gratitude for your glory and mercy. Through your grace, Amen.

Lord Jesus …

Thank you for the blessings of this day, both big and small. Thank you for walking with me through all of life’s moments, beautiful and sad, monumental and trivial. And thank you most of all for your ultimate sacrifice that gives me the chance, through your grace, to find eternal salvation. Today I uplift your name and express my sincere gratitude. In your Holy name, Amen.

Loving Father …

Thank you for standing beside me as I walk through life, for lifting me up when I need you most. Thank you for the gift of each day, and the opportunity to build these earthly ties to family and friends as I follow your lead toward eternity. And, most of all, thank you for the sacrifice of your only son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to afford me the chance to know you and grab onto the salvation only you can offer. Through your grace, Amen.

Heavenly Father …

We thank you today for bringing us together to share in the blessings of family and friends. We rejoice in the knowledge that each of us has the opportunity to accept you into our hearts and so live with you forever in your Heavenly home when our time here is finished. We will strive to make the most of the day and to live with the wisdom you have instilled in us. With gratitude for your gifts, Amen

Here are some other short prayers that you might find helpful.

15 Essential Biblical Texts

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