This is a beautiful passage of scripture, right? Often quoted, we can recite it when we’re worried about money, our bodies, our health, our clothes, our status, our EVERYTHING. But sometimes we are so close up to these lives, so zoomed in, it’s hard to even see the bigger picture of what Jesus might have been getting at in His words.
Look at those birds, He said. Can you picture him pointing to a massive flock? You are like one of those. Let me repeat. Your are like ONE of those. Now, imagine we’re in some super cool middle school science video where we can zoom our perspective out and fly above the birds, then above the neighborhood, above the city. How many more flocks of birds do you see? Lots, right? Keep going above the city, over your state and then your nation and continent and the whole globe. How many swarms of birds are there? How many different species? Research will tell us we can barely guestimate how many there are on earth, but we’re looking at roughly 100 billion. And they are ALL sustained and cared for by the Father.
So of course we shouldn’t worry, but do we see the bigger picture? Being a part of God’s Kingdom is nothing like being a part of a flock of birds. He has set the universe, the earth up in a manner that it doesn’t need His constant overseeing, saving, redeeming – but He has made humans entirely different. He has made us different: we need Him daily, rely on Him, need to be in relationship with Him – the whole species of us. And not only that, but He tells us that we – our singular little bird self in the midst of the billions, we have Kingdom weight. We can pray for the other billions, care for them, and seek the good of the whole mass. All at once, we can have an incredibly personal and beautiful relationship with our Father and a Kingdom-minded heart that beats for the spiritual battles being waged before us and above us and on the other side of the world.
So – no, don’t worry about what you’re going to wear or eat or drink. Not just because He already has taken care of that, but because if you’ll just zoom out and let Him show you the bigger picture, you’ll realize the beauty of being Kingdom minded. Seeking first His Kingdom for most of us will mean ceasing to seek for our own and asking Him to lift our eyes to something much bigger, much higher, much closer to His heart.
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46 thoughts on "kingdom praying in scripture"
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Lauren,
I agree with the ladies above- you will find His peace again! Praying for that to happen Sister!
Maybe, but of course I don’t know for sure, your Dad just resents the whole idea of ANY help! They sound like independent folks, who have been there for each other and the thought of any suggestions by their children (gasp!) is being misconstrued by him? Just a thought as I dealt with my 96yr old, very independent grandmother. As gentle and loving as possible, yet still any suggestions were taken as criticism…and a comment of “I’ve managed all these years, I know what’s best for us!”
Eventually she relented, but it had to seem as it was her request, not our trying to tell her what to do, no matter how loving it was intended. You may have now planted that seed and he will come to you , in his time and way! I pray that it is so. Our parents come from a fiercely independent generation, and take great pride in that independence! I’ll be praying for your family Lauren!
I really need God’s bigger picture right now. I’m feeling really low tonight. Felt God speak clearly to me earlier, guiding me to offer specific help to my dad with my mom’s care; only to have my dad completely ignore it. Like a door slammed shut in my face. I felt such a peace come over me when I extended what I felt to be God’s love to my dad. I just knew I was doing His will but it fell on deaf ears. You would think I’d be used to this sort of thing by now but tonight my heart aches & my head is so confused. Please Lord, help me to see Your picture through Your eyes.
Lauren I am so sorry. That hurts, especially when we feel like we have done what we felt like was the Lord's will. You know what? It WAS the Lord's will! Any time you show kindness and the love of God it is definitely in His will! If they don't receive it they are the ones that lose. You have done what you were supposed to do. Yet it still hurts especially when it is family. Rest in the comfort that you were obedient and you extended a healing hand of mercy. They have to want the help. Praying for you tonight. Remember that peace you said came over you. It is still there. HE never left you. God bless you friend. ♥
Lauren, I feel for you and pray that your spirits are lifted. I don’t know the specifics of your situation, nor do I need to. Your post stated that felt you felt guided to offer specific help to your Dad with your Mom’s care and your Dad completely ignored it.
My Mom & Dad have been married 65 years! Dad will be 97 in July and Mom is 86; they have been married 65 years! Amazingly, they are still living in the house I grew up in. Dad is sharp as a tack, but about 4 yrs. ago, Mom developed dementia….in the past 6 mos. it has begun to progress much quicker. it’s heart breaking.
Myself, and 3 of my 7 siblings are stepping up to do as much as possible while Mom is still home. We also have had some negative responses from my Dad, but honestly, I don’t think it’s because he doesn’t appreciate our help or isn’t grateful. I think it is out of frustration due to their situation. I think a lot of times loved ones will strike out at those they love because they feel safe in doing it…misdirected anger. Not that it is right, but maybe part of trying to cope with the situation. It has to be so hard to care for a spouse; especially for a man because they like ton”fix” situations and not all situations are fixable.
God will bless you for extending that love and grace to your Dad and I know The Lord is looking down and smiling as you were acting on HIS guidance. You were faithfully honoring your Dad and your Mom. The peace you felt was from The Lord and I believe you will continue to feel his peace through this difficult situation.
Hang in their sister friend, I will keep you in my prayers.
Praying for you. Heartbreaking when offering to help, following the will of God, only to slam into a wall. The problem often occurs when one person moves at the Lord's leading and the other person chooses not to listen to The Lord….mind you I don't have a clue if this is true in your situation. What to do? Keep the offer open and pray for your Dad….again, praying for you.
Thank you all. Your words have given me so much comfort. God bless you.
Love it. Great perspective. Thank you.
Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Father God, how thankful I am that I can come to you anytime, anywhere, anyhow, regarding any situation. I can leave it at the foot of the cross and know for certain that you have it handled. It brings such joy and comfort to my soul.
Lord, I continue to hold the people of Boston in my thoughts and prayers. Be with them Lord, and may you be glorified.
Thinking about the Matthew 6:25-34 and putting that together with Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord's Prayer) we can see how we can have a Godly perspective. I think walking through how Christ taught his disciples to pray on a daily basis will bring us that outward perspective, that Kingdom perspective. We see in the Gospels how Christ needed that time alone with the Father but even when the crowds would interrupt that time He would graciously receive them. I know I need time with My Father but I am not always so gracious because my perspective is not that of Christ. Oh how I pray I can gain that perspective and remember that God Has the details covered. Much Grace Ladies
God’s timing is always perfect, and after yesterdays events in Boston, we all know how perfectly timed this plan is. I am reminded of that song we use to sing when I was younger, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”. Phenomenal, isn’t it? The power of our Lord God Almighty.
Father God, Today I hold up Boston to you. Wrap your loving arms around those who are hurting and scared. Use this to show how great your love truly is. Allow your Spirit to move through and touch those who are seeking. You are God. Your plan is perfect. Your will be done.
Father God, I also lift up the people of Detroit to you in prayer. This last weekend, you truly showed me what a great need there is for you in this city. People are losing hope, but you Lord, are the King of Hope. Restore and renew the righteous, and touch those in need. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
So sad that these people have to lash out at those who least expect it. But once again, their intention to tear people APART has backfired!
Doing your worst will bring out the best- every time.
Thank you Lord for your Kingdom, that we are more aware than ever that WE ALL MATTER and to pray for one another, and that your will be done, now and forever!
In Jesus’ name, AMEN
Praying for my Sisters near and far, and that He blesses you today!
I am such a worry wort. This is such a struggle for me. I don't know if it is the not knowing or the unknown, but it is hard to not to worry about finding that job, how will the bills get paid etc. But through prayer and reading God's word and I am learning to stop worring and rest in knowing God has a plan and so far, he has helped me make it through. I am so thankful for that and so much more. Thank you for the study today. It is a great reminder that worrying in is God's hands, not ours.
I agree that this passage is quite timely in the wake of recent events. My tendency is to worry. I am encouraged by the thoughts written on these posts to respond to worry with love.
I love that! Respond to worry with love! Beautiful!
Oh yes, how the Father takes care of us! We can be free to look out at the needs of others when we know that our own needs are so carefully met. He's got us covered. I know this all too well. There was a time in my life when I had the best of everything…then a tragedy hit, and it was all gone. I didn't know where I was going to get my next meal from. But the Lord showed His love and faithfulness to me. He took care of me, like He does the birds, and I never went without what I needed. I don't know HOW it happened. It just did. I didn't have all the things I WANTED…but I had everything I needed at the very hour I needed it.
He's got me. He's got you too. We can rest on His promise, and look to help others that need…something. Just a word of encouragement, a coffee and a listening ear, a set of free hands…I'm learning to give what I CAN. Just showing up can mean the world to someone. It doesn't have to be much to bless another heart.
We have heard about the events in Boston up here in Canada and I have already read many posts of people praying for the victims of such a senseless act of violence. I am praying for those families, "His Kingdom come, His will be done…" May God turn this tragedy into something good. That His love will resonate the loudest. We are already hearing reports of people running towards the explosion to help out the injured…God bless them all!
JuneBug, wow you said it: Just showing up can mean the world to someone. It doesn't have to be much to bless another heart.
Beautiful as always my friend.
Love this refreshing perspective on an often-quoted passage! Thanks.
So timely after Boston's events yesterday. Praying for them, for peace and comfort.
I also would like to share a positive…. I had asked you to pray for my friend Sara, and she had a great first doctor's appointment and ultrasound! Praise God!
Bless you sisters for all of these words and thoughts. They are as always so encouraging and such a great reminder of the wonderful community we have.
Lately my heart has been so heavy over a 3 year relationship ending. I feel I am in a constant state of worry even though I know it will not "add a single moment to my life." My prayers have been so focused on myself so these last two days have been such a good reminder that there's is something so much bigger and better out there for me to be focusing on. How good & gentle our God is to remind us that His glory and children are what we should be focused on. He is in control and He is working even when I can't physically see it. Yesterday's tragedy in Boston was only more of a reminder that we are to LOVE! Prayers to those in Boston for comfort, for peace, and joy in the midst of this loss. Being from Oklahoma I know what it feels like to feel violated by those that hate. I pray the community and nation would come together in love and they would run fast to the God who is love.
Love you sisters, praying for all of us to seek first His kingdom today!
Praying for u my sister.God has something n store for u!
Praying for you Amy—that's always such a hard thing to have to go through. God has a plan!
Such an appropriate reading after the events in Boston yesterday. Love it when God does that. What a precious reminder not only to looking with "Kingdom eyes" but to rest in the comfort that God is our caretaker and we need not worry. Praying for peace and comfort for all those grieving today and that in the midst of this tragedy His love and grace would be visible to those who need it most.
Goid morning again SRT, I forgot to mention that today is “One Day Without Shoes”! If you are able please go without shoes today thinking about and praying for those in which this is an every day occurence!
If you are unble to go with shoes consider buying a pair to donate. Toms will donate a pair for every pair purchased (they have already donated shoes to countries around the world and continue to do so). GET INVOLVED! Thanks!!!
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else" Oh how I need you Lord to help me do this! It's so easy to get caught up in "my" world and not put yours above all else. So many times I go to this verse to be reminded….that my worries are small and few and that I need to focus on you. It is so comforting to know he is in control, but wants my help to further your kingdom…. show me how I pray.
Kingdom prayer couldn't have come at a better time. Right now the country, even the world, has a heavy heart after yesterday's tragedy. People are hurt, confused, and looking for answers. Who could do this? Why are people so evil? But my Kingdom prayer today, for the masses looking for answers, is for God's will to be done, His Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven. Lord, show these people your love, grace, and mercy. In the midst of pain and suffering, let these people see the hope you bring, the love you have for them, and the abundant blessings waiting for them. I lift up these people unto you, Lord. Amen
Beautiful prayers this morning. So thankful for all of you ladies and for this perspective. Lord, I am so thankful that you are so caring and mindful of us…of me. And I pray Lord that I begin to see more clearly, the bigger picture that I have a distinct role in…,
"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" I think that part of today's scripture jumped out at me the most, if I do trust Him and I do rely on Him every day then I have got to LET GO and LET GOD….
Because He also says, "Aren't you far more valuable to me than they are?" Yes we are!! We are everything to Him! We are His treasure!
Lord, thank You today that You are so mindful of us, Your treasure. Help us today to look beyond OURSELVES and OUR NEEDS and to look out our own windows into Your Kingdom to the needs of OTHERS where we really take on the MIND OF CHRIST. Please wrap Your arms of comfort around the families that are grieving that have suffered such loss in the Boston area. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Beautiful; ditto. AMEN!
"Being a part of God’s Kingdom is nothing like being a part of a flock of birds. He has set the universe, the earth up in a manner that it doesn’t need His constant overseeing, saving, redeeming – but He has made humans entirely different. He has made us different: we need Him daily, rely on Him, need to be in relationship with Him – the whole species of us." wow! never thought of this today. lord, help me to remember to rely on You more today!
So many beautiful prayers this morning. This community is truely a blessing. :-)
My heart is heavy after yesterday's tragedy. I lift up all who were affected by yesterday's events. I pray that God's light would shine brightly in this time as people rise up to help one another–that His golry would be revealed. Lord, this is an opportuinty to be your hands to others–to show people in need your love. If we focus on ourselves, life is hollow–meaningless. But if we focus outward on the things that matter to your kingdom, purpose and meaning are found. Lord, help me to focus on your kingdom today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Amen!
Matthew 6:33 is such a powerful verse. Reminds me of the hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" – we waste our time with trivial worries instead of seeing God, recognizing His provision, and simply wanting more of Him. Really needed this encouragement this morning – thank you!
Good morning ladies! I needed this this morning – I'm still wrapping my head around what happened yesterday in my beautiful city of Boston. I can't believe it. Trying just to rest in Him today.
I've been praying for the people of Boston. I pray that God would bring them peace and to those that don't know him that He would minister to them by his precious Holy Spirit. Blessings to you all.
Eleanor, it IS a beautiful city. I must admit its been easier to be kingdom minded since I heard the first of the horrific stories. Praying for you, your friends and family, the injured, the families of the deceased, the first responders, medical personnel, law enforcement investigating this, and yes, even for the perpetrators. Rest in The Lord, sister, and in the power of his might.
Good morning my sisters, I would first like to say thank you for your prayers on yestrday I could feel their weight lifting me up to a higher place.
Autumn Dawn you hit the nail on the head, look ahead,around, not so pre-ocupied with fixing my own issues.
Father this day, I ask that you reveal to me what kingdom minded looks like. Reveal to me what is just, right and in your perfect will. Keeping those things that are of you and removing anything that is not of God.
My sisters love one another today, your spouses, your unruly children, lol. Those medling parents, that anoying co worker, your loud neighbor. If at all possible reconcile with those you can reconcile with, and the ones you can’t pray that God will create an opportunity for you to do so. Life is indedd
short and unpredictable. We know not the time or day that the robber may come. On yesterday those participating in Boston. Knew not what was to come. In a twinkling of an eye many of them their lives will never be the same.
I am resolved that love is the bigger picture!
Ladies, Treats and Thanks on Tuesday!
Such a beautiful reminder to look outward first to our family and then to all outliers, mending relationships that we can, praying for those we cannot, loving all and Praying. The chaos of the images in Boston immediately following the blasts yesterday sickens me, but the rush of volunteers, police, medical personnel to help shows me the hand of God in the midst of tragedy. It would be easy to crawl back under the covers, to avoid crowds, to build walls, but Jesus calls us to "not worry" and even when the mountains shake to open our eyes and seek HIS KINGDOM…no matter what debris of a broken world tries to distract us. THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE!
How beautiful are these scriptures… He truly cares for us. He truly loves us. He is telling us not to worry about ANYTHING, He is in full control. If this was only easier.
Lord, I pray that You, Heavenly Father, would guide our hearts and our minds towards You. That we would let go off all these worries that chain us to this world, and be released by the renewal of mind and peace that Lord, You have it. I love You Father, and pray over all these hearts that come to You. In Jesus name, Amen.
Ditto, awesome.
Good morning Autumn Dawn Leader and everyone else at SRT. Thanking God today for Hus gentle reminders of how much He loves and cares for us.
It is Spring in full bloom here in Virginia! I am truly blessed, God is still on the Throne, and in control (pollen and all). I continue to pray for those who requested pray yesterday and pray God’s blessings upon those in need today.
Be encouraged…God sees and He knows. NOTHING catches Him by surprise…He’s working everything out for HIS good and the good of His people!
Father, please open my eyes to see Your bigger picture today. When I think and pray about renewing my mind may I include in my prayer being Kingdom-minded, looking outward to the world around me and my fellow believers instead of inward in desperation to fix my “issues”. Help all of us – Your KINGDOM of priests – to seek first Your Kingdom. Show us what that looks like, practically. Daily. Help us, God. We look to You. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Yes, yes, thank you for saying what I feel n my heart. Lord what does it look like. Bless U.
Amen. Beautiful prayer.