“Good Things”
We are unfortunately aware of parents who give bad gifts rather than good gifts and hurtful things rather than helpful things to their children. Lord, work in the hearts, minds, and spirits of such troubled people—both parents and children—that they might find healing and wholeness.
Such awareness notwithstanding, we know that the vast majority of parents are like the ones of whom Jesus speaks; while we are sinners who are too often driven by greed, by pride, by selfishness, or by fear we would nonetheless never dream of purposely giving our children anything that is not for their good and their help.
Our heavenly Father, Jesus said, is absolutely willing and able to give good things to his children when they ask for them.
So God, help us to ask for truly good gifts, starting with grace, love, and mercy and including the ability to follow the instructions for being disciples of Jesus that we find in the Sermon on the Mount.
And help us to live in utter trust that you will give us those things that we really need.
Amen.
“Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11)
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