“If the scriptures and learning perish in our land, what will remain but a lawless horde… a multitude of wild beasts?” Martin Luther, in his sermon “On the Duty of Sending Children to School”
14“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5.14-16
“Give us this day our daily bread…”
What does this mean? God gives daily bread, even without our prayer, to all people, though sinful, but we ask in this prayer that he will help us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanks.
What is meant by “daily bread”? Daily bread includes everything needed for this life, such as food and clothing, home and property, work and income, a devoted family, an orderly community, good government, favorable weather, peace and health, a good name, and true friends and neighbors. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)
Prayer: Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for the thick slice of our daily bread which is good education. Learning helps us shine the light of Christ more brightly, helps us serve our neighbor better, and better equips us to give glory to you. Thank you for our schools, for those who teach and lead, for parents, and for the call to upright learning. Repent our nation of sloth, entitlement, and self-worship. Grow our appetite for learning…that instead of seeing us wallow in ourselves like beasts, people may see your good work in us and give glory to you. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.
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