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A Prayer About Two Different Fridays

     So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

     Lord Jesus, this is one early morning I’d don’t feel alone, at all. From where I’m seated, I can already see streams of cars heading for the stores and malls and it’s only 4 in the morning. They call it Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving—a day when your words about “running after all these things” really come to life. 

     People are already pushing against doors… running up isles… grabbing for stuff… racing to the shortest checkout line… like famished people who haven’t eaten in weeks, with manners that would usually embarrass most grandmothers, except today, because the grandmothers are right there with them.

     Jesus, I’m not sitting here smugly judging anyone, for there’s no one, by nature, more greedy or grabby than me. I thank you I live in a time and place of abundance. I thank you I’ve never had to be concerned about what I’ll eat, drink or wear. I even thank you that many people will enjoy fine savings and get real bargains today.

     But on this Black Friday I’m especially grateful for Good Friday, and what you accomplished on that everything-changing day. These two Fridays couldn’t be more different… one’s about us getting more stuff for ourselves, and the other’s about you giving up your life to redeem your pan-national Bride and to make all things new. Talk about a 180-difference!

     It’s only because of you, Jesus, that we know God as Abba, Father—who knows our every need… who answers before we ask… who gives us all things richly to enjoy… who satisfies our hunger, slakes our thirst and clothes us so generously. Jesus, to be clothed in your righteousness… to feast upon you as the Bread of Life… to drink the living water you alone can give… we are a wealthy people beyond all accounting and measure.

     Jesus, in this next season of our lives, show us how to seek your kingdom first, above everything else. Rather than spending more money on ourselves, where would you have us invest our time, talent and treasure… our energy, tears and laughter? What new chapters in your story of redemption and restoration would you write through us? So very Amen, we pray, with gratitude and anticipation, in your loving name.

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