Morning prayer · 4 February

The path you show us

A narrow footpath winding up a hill through tall grass, with small footprints following it and no figure shown, suggesting faithful walking rather than a person depicted.

God, you’ve told us to be perfect, as you, our Father in heaven, are perfect. Please put into our hearts a desire that never fades to do what you want. Teach us day by day what you’d like us to do, and give us the help and power to do it. Never let us leave the path you show us because we love an easy life, or turn away from it because we’re afraid of looking foolish. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:48 (BSB)

Adapted from Henry Alford, via A Chain of Prayer Across the Ages (1913), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.