Morning Prayer - I Give To You What Is Yours

Jesus,

I come before you, reflecting on your incredible wisdom. I see how the Pharisees and Herodians tried to trap you in your words, how they flattered you with false praise, saying you are a man of integrity who isn’t swayed by appearances.

But you saw through their hypocrisy, into the depths of their hearts. Thank you for teaching me that truth does not depend on position or power, but on you, who are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.’ (Acts 10:34)

I Give to You What is Yours

Lord, your answer about the tax for Caesar astounds me time and again. You teach me that I have duties in this world.

That I must be a responsible citizen, respecting the laws and structures established for order in society. Help me to be faithful and honest in this.

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1)

Give me a heart that knows how to live according to Peter’s instruction and find the right balance in all relationships.

“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17)

But, Lord, when you asked about the image on the coin, you opened the door to a much deeper truth. On that coin was the image of Caesar. But in my soul, in my heart, in the very core of my being is Your image, Your sacred inscription.

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

I am Yours, Lord. I belong to You. Therefore, this morning I do not give you just a part of myself; I desire to surrender all that I am to You. I will entrust my heart to you, because I know it bears Your seal.

I Obey You Rather Than Men

Help me, Lord, to know how to discern. When the world, when ‘Caesar’ in any form, demands my conscience, my allegiance, my worship—give me the strength and courage then to remember to whom I truly belong.

Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’ (Acts 5:29)

I know that my true and final hope is in You. My true homeland is not here. My heart longs for Your kingdom, which is not built by human hands.

Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.'”(John 18:36)

Thank you for showing me the way. Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but to God what is God’s. Let me give You myself. Wholly.

Amen.

STAY IN TOUCH