Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances ...

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Wrapping the awkward sized toy truck was a challenge. A bag with colorful tissue was a perfect solution. One of the many gifts Jesus gave us was prayer — a perfect gift, wrapped in love. He taught his disciples a prayer of holiness, provision, resistance to temptation, and glory to God (Matthew 6:9-13). Jesus offered prayers of thanks for bread and fish for a meal (Matthew 14:13-21). He prayed for present and future believers (John 17). In demonstrating different sizes and shapes of prayer, Jesus shows us the perfect solution for our concerns and a gift that can be opened any time. When we pray for needs, intercede for others, offer gratitude and praise, we acknowledge our dependence on him. Let’s use the gift of prayer Jesus gave us and thank him for that privilege.

Marilyn Nutter
Greer, SC

Dear Father, thank you for the gift of communicating with you — the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Amen.

Reflect: Think about your prayer life as a gift and a joyous opportunity to talk with God.

Read: Jeremiah 33:3 and Hebrews 4:14