Contemplative Bible Reading

Genesis 24:12 (New International Version)

Then he prayed, “O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.

Such a simple prayer, such a simple request: give me success today.

This is easy to abuse. I’ll play the lottery and ask God for success. I’ll try all sorts of short cuts that could lead to all sorts of worldly “gains” that probably aren’t good for me in the long term but will sure feel good in the short term. God must sigh often when He hears our prayers.

This is easy to use as I believe God intended. The man praying was sent on a mission by Abraham. The mission would bring blessings to Abraham’s household. His prayer was simple:

God, give me success today.

I have to add a phrase to that for me, today:

God, point me in the right direction and give me success today.