Daily Devotion

for 40 Days

Cross Keys United Methodist Church

www.crosskeyschurch.org

Scripture:

Matthew 6:9-13

This, then, is how you should pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation ;but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reflection:

When I was a little girl I did not go to church. However, my very earliest memory is of my mom singing Jesus Loves Me in my little ear. Sometimes I walked to attend Sunday School at a neighborhood church. I remember going to VBS and learning Bible verses and fun songs. And I will forever associate sunflowers with my fledgling faith because of the beautiful single sunflower that seemed to rise to heaven by the Sunday School door.

There was no sunflower near the church sanctuary entrance. It appeared to be a place for adults. A place of serious worship. I felt very grown-up the first week my grandfather invited me to join him in church. I was maybe 10. He picked me up in his old blue Chevy car and he was wearing a suit and tie and his best hat. I was honored to have been chosen to accompany him. I remember one thing from that church service. The Lord’s Prayer was recited in unison by the whole congregation.

Everyone, together, as one voice and it sounded wonderful and alive, and I thought, “this must be very important!” So important that I went right home and found the verses in the Bible and memorized the Lord’s Prayer before the end of the day.

It's funny the way memories work. That sunflower certainly did not rise to heaven, but it sure helps point me in that direction every time I remember a Bible verse or

fun song I learned when I entered the door near where it grew. Each time we recite the Lord’s Prayer together in worship I hear a little voice inside that says, “this must be very important!”

Reflection Written by Darlene Schoenewald

Prayer:

Dear Lord, you are wonderful. As we continue through Lent help us to focus on what is important. We are grateful you taught us how to pray and that we have a place to gather on Sundays and pray together. Each day we make new memories. May these new memories be ones that will sustain our faith and bring us closer to you. Lord, we ask for your blessing on our congregation and pray that our children and youth are creating memories that point them always to you. In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.