⁶ Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. ⁷ For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. ⁸ If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ⁹ Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.

Romans 14:6-9

Dear God, do I honor you enough? For example, I’m not the best about thanking you for my food. I have it in my head to do it when I’m eating with other people. That’s kind of an ingrained habit. Even that, though, isn’t necessarily me being truly grateful for the food. I’ve always had plenty. So much so that I’ve battled my weight since I was 10 years old. No, I’m not really grateful for my food. In fact, there are times when I pray before a meal that I forget to mention the food.

It’s easy to say that I live for you and die for you, but am I honoring you enough in the living? Do I let selfishness dictate how much at risk I’m willing to put what I have? My possessions and my comfort? Oh, how I want to honor you. I want everything I do to honor you. How I worship and pray. How I interact with others. How I do my work. Right down to the little things. How I drive. How I order at a restaurant. How I react when I see a homeless person in need (I’m not good at that one at all–what’s appropriate and what’s not?).

Here’s a good example. I was really proud of something we were able to do with a patient at our clinic this week, and when I told people about it I don’t think I credited you enough for orchestrating what happened or the outcome.

Father, this is a good reminder to do everything I do in honor of you. I’m about to talk with a friend on the phone. Help me to honor you in it. I’m going to meet some men and move some heavy, awkward furniture for work. Help me to honor you in how I do that. I’m going to write thank you letters. Help me to honor you in those letters. I’m going to meet a friend for lunch and do them a favor. Help me to honor you in that time. I’ll spend the evening with my wife. Help me to thank you for her and honor you for how you bless me through her. I want to have you in my every breath today and be grateful for each breath. Help me to be mindful of that.

I pray all of this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen