I was just reading the devotional "Our Daily Bread". The scripture passage for today's devotional was the following, (I usually read it in several translations). But this one is "The Message"translation. It may not be totally correct (I know my son Paul might make some remarks). But I thought it was really neat.I just wanted to share this with you.
Pray with Simplicity Mathew 6:5-15
Hello, this is Jesus speaking!
5 "And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
6 Here's what I want you to do:
Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
7 The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God.
8 Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need.
9 With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best--
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and by forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
14 In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others.
15 If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.
16 When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint.
17 If you go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face.
18 God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well."
1 comment:
I like the Message Bible, too. I realize that it is a paraphrase-not a translation which ,hopefully, would be taking in to account the exact meanings of Greek and Hebrew words. I find,however, that it causes me to take another look at verses that are so familiar to me that I Might almost glaze over them. It sort of surprises me into attention. I am involved in some Bible studies; so, I will read the Message at home ahead of time and take my NIV along to the study to follow along with the others; much like your using more than one translation in your own devotions.
Nelly
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