Worry not about daily needs
“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:30-34 )
Pieter Pietersz, in 1625, wrote “The Attentive Prayer of a Converted Person.” In this prayer Pietersz expresses a sentiment that others have expressed. It is not often that I have found faith perspectives in the writings of the early Anabaptists that parallel so closely modern perspectives. Even more surprising and re-freshing is that Pietersz speaks of how he thought before he professed this faith. I do not mean to say that I think little of other writings, or that they have not touched me or been consistent with later Mennonite faith. But this prayer surprises me. It is introspective and personal, which I appreciate. If you have not pondered upon the words from the Lord’s Prayer that Pietersz highlights, I invite you to do so along with Pietersz.
“I have . . . often spoken the words, give us this day our daily bread, but without thinking about it, for I was not satisfied with that so that my prayer appeared to be more of a mockery than a true prayer. For I attempted to gather treasure for many years, thus totally disregarding your Word, in which you admonish us not to worry about tomorrow, Luke 12:19; Matt. 6:34. I did not know your fatherly concern for me, living instead as a heathen filled with worry: I tried to provide for myself without you, without your blessing, and also to save for my children, Psalm 55:23; 10:3. But O father, I regret having erred in that way, for which reason I now ask you as a child asks its Father, give us this day our daily bread: I am satisfied and deeply grateful that I have enough for my needs, food and shelter, which you generously supply to all who call upon you in faith, 1 Tim. 6:6.”
