Daily Bible Reading – September 2023, God’s Saving Word: WisdomSýnishorn

September 3

Introduction

In today’s reading, Jesus teaches his followers about giving to the needy and about prayer. With each teaching, Jesus warns his followers to "not be like the hypocrites" who do things publicly so that others will be impressed by their piety. The reading concludes with Jesus offering a model for prayer, known in many Christian faith traditions as "The Lord's Prayer."

Scripture Reading

Matthew 6:1-15

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 6:6

[Jesus said:] “When you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.”

Reflect

For what sorts of things does Jesus want his followers to pray? What lessons on prayer do you learn from the prayer that Jesus taught (verses 9-13)? What is the relationship between prayer and forgiveness? What will you pray about today?

Pray

Our Father in heaven: may your holy name be honored; may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need. Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Matthew 6:16-34:Jesus teaches about fasting and warns against the false security of trusting in wealth.