Matthew 6:11-12, "Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Luke 11:10-11, "For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?"

Think

What if your parents brought you home from the hospital, placed you in a crib, and said, "Good luck," then just stepped back and watched you grow? Absurd, right? Yet, when it comes to God, many think He created us and then stepped back to watch us from afar. The reality is that He wants to be hands-on in every aspect of our lives. And like any great parent, He likes His children to ask Him for specific things. First, Jesus says to ask for daily bread. Question: If we have a pantry full of groceries do we still need to ask for bread? Yes! We aren't literally asking God to drop a loaf on our doorstep each morning. We're recognizing our need for His provision in all things. Then, Jesus says to ask for forgiveness. Question: If He already knows what we did, do we really need to ask? Yes! Confession is vital to spiritual growth. This "ask" shows that we recognize our greatest need - Jesus. Without Him, we'd be facing a very different eternity. And because He forgives us, we must extend the same to others. God is not a detached deity. He is a loving Father who created you for a purpose. So, go for the ask, give thanks, and feel the warmth of His presence.

Act

Go for the ask! Be bold and trust God to provide. Then, confess your sins, no matter how inconsequential you think they are. And if you need to forgive others, do so, remembering the immeasurable grace God has given you.

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, You are the giver of all things, and I thank You for being hands-on in my life. Guide my steps and protect my thoughts as I seek to align with Your will. Today, I ask for____ and confess ____. Forgive me, Lord, and help me let go of any bitterness or resentment towards others. In Jesus' name, Amen.