Day by Day

“Come close to God and He will come close to you.”
James 4:8 (AMP)

This afternoon, I just happened to read the lyrics of a song from the Musical “Godspell” called Day by Day! Here they are:

Day by day, oh dear Lord, three things I pray
To see Thee more clearly
Love Thee more dearly
Follow Thee more nearly, day by day.

This prayer was written 770 years ago by St. Richard of Chichester and it is a prayer that is still remembered and prayed today, and it’s even in a musical! As a prayer, I think it is just perfect for the beginning of each day, it is simple and as you can see mentions only three things:

One—To see you more clearly: Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it, because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God.  He could put up with anything along the way; cross, shame, whatever. (Hebrews 12:2-3 Message)

Two—To love you more dearly: “’Because a loveless world,’ said Jesus, ‘is a sightless world. If anyone loves me he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we’ll move right into the neighbourhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn’t mine. It’s the message of the Father who sent me.’” (John 14:23-24 Message)

Three—To follow you more nearly: “But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love. This is the only way to be sure we’re in God. Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.” (1 John 2:5-6 Message)

Isn’t that just perfectly simple? Let’s pray it and let’s do it; starting today!

Prayer
Lord Jesus, our daily prayer is simply to see you clearly, to love you dearly and to follow you nearly.  This we pray each and every day.
Amen

Study by Cliff Neill

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About the Author:
Cliff Neill is an Elder in Grace Communion Church Luton.

Local  Congregation:
Grace Communion Church Luton
Farley Hill Methodist Church
North Drift Way
Farley Hill
LUTON LU1 5JE

Meeting Time:
Saturday 10:30am

Local Congregational Contact:
Harry Sullivan
Phone:  01908-582222
Email: harry_sullivan@wcg.org.uk