Based on Luke 18:1-8

MEMORY TEXT:  "That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7).

The model prayer takes us back to basics.  It references our material needs in a simple way: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11).  This perspective will not put stress on Jesus’ command to us to seek first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness.

Though we may pray for that which is necessary to sustain us, the prayer of our hearts should be for the true riches that are in our Lord Jesus Christ.  "Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways are past finding out" (Romans 11:33)!

The time is upon us when the riches of this world will come to nothing.  "For in one hour so great riches is come to naught.  And every ship maker, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off.... And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness!  For in one hour is she made desolate" (Revelation 18:17-19).

We may not know the exact interpretation of each player in the above text, but the message comes across clearly; and that is, if we are putting our trust in money and material things, they can be swept away in a moment’s notice.

Now is no time to pray, “God, make me rich," but it is time to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow the One who gave everything for us.  We are strangers and pilgrims here.  This earth is not our home, we are just passing through.  Our treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.

Whether we are poor in this world's goods or have more than enough, as children of God in every economic group the focus of our prayers should be that of Moses, who esteemed "the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward" (Hebrews 11:26).

Don’t measure God’s blessings to you by your bank account.  We’re children of the King.  Our inheritance is in heaven.