Habits are actions performed on a regular or routine basis. Some actions are performed on a regular basis because they are habits. Some habits are formed because the actions that we take frequently are so very important to us.
Many of us do what we do because we have always done it. Many of us do certain things habitually simply because we were taught to do those certain things. But, do we know and understand why we were taught to do those things?
When it comes to praying at meals, for example, are we praying to give thanks for the food? Or, are we just "saying the blessing" because Mother and Dad did? One of my brothers is the most consistent Christian I have ever known. But, he also has quite a sense of humor. So, after having gone to the grocery store for the next week's supply of food, he gathered his family around the table where he and his wife had placed the groceries temporarily. Then, in his own way, he said to the whole family, "We're going to pray now over all the food, so we won't have to every time we eat." Habits that involve "saying prayers" are one thing. Praying that becomes a personal habit is quite another. This is where Jesus' prayer life comes in.
In studying and researching the prayer life of Jesus, it became obvious very shortly, that Jesus had many personal prayer habits. One of which was giving thanks on the occasions of "breaking bread." It is no surprise, as we shall further see in Part 2, that Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11, KJV). Two of the four gospel writers recorded Jesus saying that "foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." (Matthew 8:20 and Luke 9:58, KJV). So, to Jesus, food was not to be taken for granted. When food is available, it is important to show gratitude to God and give Him thanks.
In my next post I will share some thoughts regarding the occasions where Jesus gave thanks for "broken bread." Maybe the why can be seen in giving thanks as well as how gratitude affects our own lives.
Lord, teach me to be thankful and help me learn how to express my gratitude to You.
Many of us do what we do because we have always done it. Many of us do certain things habitually simply because we were taught to do those certain things. But, do we know and understand why we were taught to do those things?
When it comes to praying at meals, for example, are we praying to give thanks for the food? Or, are we just "saying the blessing" because Mother and Dad did? One of my brothers is the most consistent Christian I have ever known. But, he also has quite a sense of humor. So, after having gone to the grocery store for the next week's supply of food, he gathered his family around the table where he and his wife had placed the groceries temporarily. Then, in his own way, he said to the whole family, "We're going to pray now over all the food, so we won't have to every time we eat." Habits that involve "saying prayers" are one thing. Praying that becomes a personal habit is quite another. This is where Jesus' prayer life comes in.
In studying and researching the prayer life of Jesus, it became obvious very shortly, that Jesus had many personal prayer habits. One of which was giving thanks on the occasions of "breaking bread." It is no surprise, as we shall further see in Part 2, that Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11, KJV). Two of the four gospel writers recorded Jesus saying that "foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." (Matthew 8:20 and Luke 9:58, KJV). So, to Jesus, food was not to be taken for granted. When food is available, it is important to show gratitude to God and give Him thanks.
In my next post I will share some thoughts regarding the occasions where Jesus gave thanks for "broken bread." Maybe the why can be seen in giving thanks as well as how gratitude affects our own lives.
Lord, teach me to be thankful and help me learn how to express my gratitude to You.
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