YES to Kingdom Priorities

Matthew 6:33

But seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

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Thank you, God,
for leading and shepherding us
and confirming through Jesus
that we don't have to worry
because you provide for the birds who've never planted crops,
and grass that are clothed with the lilies of the field.
Nor do we have to worry about things we cannot change.

 Lord Jesus, thank you for your promises:
Matthew 6 reminds us that the Lord our God values us
far beyond our comprehension.
And as our Heavenly Father, you know what we need and what we don't need.
You have the miraculous power to neutralize all anxiety and stress,
so thank you for inviting us to experience your freedom from anxiety
that comes from undue worry about material things –
like food and shelter and clothes
and that which will pass away. 

So now, Holy God, since we are free from worry,
we cast all our cares on Jesus, and place anxiety in the back seat of our lives.
Empower us now to concentrate on seeking your Kingdom first.
Holy Spirit, remind us daily that this surrender of our cares
is not just an ordinary priority to fit onto our list of “to-do's,”
but remind us and lead us in everything we do to first seek the Kingdom.

We pray for your grace and resurrection power
to make Matthew 6:33 our rule of life.
Whenever we are setting priorities, may we seek the Kingdom of God first.

Now forgive us for seeking after things and persons,
and for placing anything or anybody before you.
Redirect our passions, our drives, and our attention to seeking only you,
and to seeking out and chasing after you,
as the deer chases after the water,
as this new year and semester unfolds.

Oh God, we are tempted to chase grades, people,
ministry, dreams and opportunities for approval.
But your "yes”  invites us to reorder our pursuits.

So help us to seek only you in everything that we do.
Thank you for the power of the Holy Spirit
and the authority in Jesus’ name
to realign and to follow you,
and to place you first in our lives.

In the precious name of Christ Jesus we pray,
Amen.