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In these fast-paced times there is a deep-down need in us to experience real rest. When running a long-distance race, refreshment is vitally important. The stations with water, fruit and gels are what help the runners finish the race. In Matthew’s gospel Jesus invites us to come to him for rest and to be refreshed: “Come to me”, he said “all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will refresh you”. In our lives we are burdened with problems and worries yet Jesus calls us to something greater – to rest. But what […]

And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the Evil One! It is usually said that faith is a private matter, also that prayer is a private matter for each of us. Somehow, it is often felt that it is simply distasteful to ask someone how much they pray or how much they read the Bible. I wonder if we are afraid of someone’s answer, maybe because they would embarrass us? Or we are simply afraid that someone, in turn, will ask us the same thing. I don’t know how much anyone […]

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors! Matthew 6:12 This biblical verse instantaneously leads us into a kind of speech about how we are obliged to forgive everyone who has sinned against us. You already know this one: 7 times 77 and the like… No doubt, it is necessary to hear such things from time to time because each of us has at least once “held someone in debt”. Many have done this to many people for a long time. But some of us, more than anybody else, hold in debt ourselves. […]

Give us today our daily bread! Matthew 6:11 It is true: I can always trust God for eternal things. I know that there is “life after life”, I know that there is Heaven and Hell, I know that Jesus saved me from punishment and opened the way to the Father’s presence. One day… But today? Do I believe I will have the money to pay the bills? Do I believe tomorrow’s exam will go well? Do I believe I have a chance to find a job? Maybe it’s best if I take care of these […]

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 When my walk of faith began, it was truly mesmerizing to meet my Heavenly Father! Frankly, I was not as enthusiastic as I discovered that I was to receive the “whole package”, not only a gentle Father but also a King and Master who claims a place of ultimate authority in my life. Many are discouraged by this revelation, and the most common objection to Christianity is the demand for submission that God undoubtedly places before us. And that’s […]

Our Father who is in heaven,… Matthew 6:9 My first childhood memory goes back to a distant past that I am not even able to put in exact time frame. Maybe I was 2 or 3 years old, I’m not sure, but I know that it was night, that my ear hurt a lot, and that my father carried me, in a panic, quickly and with anxiety, to the hospital. I cried and said: “Daddy, I am going to die on you!” I remember he cried and tried to comfort me, while running to get […]