A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW      

YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS 

Matthew 6:8 “ . . . your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”   

God knows everything. (John 21:17) The Psalmist wrote, “O Lord, You have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” (Psalm 139:1-4) 

Since God knows all things and knows your words before you ever speak them, it stands to human reason there is no need for you to pray. This, your human reason is flawed. Yes, God does know everything. This includes His knowing what you will say even before you speak your words and thoughts to Him. It is the fact that He knows all about you that prompts you to pray with confidence that with His knowledge of you and your needs and that He who is Almighty and all-knowing will know that no matter what you ask He will know how to answer you. 

So, God knowing all about you, even your future is faith strengthening. Whereas, you often lack knowledge, are unsure what to decide or where to go, God knows all and has your best interest in His gracious heart. Therefore, He invites you to cast all your cares upon Him and promises that He will take care of you. (1 Peter 5:7) 

As you have read in previous devotions, God is your loving Father. He cares what happens in your life. He desires to provide you with good, reliable counsel and blessings that will be for your good. He knows your past, present and future. It is His desire that at the end of your earthly existence, through His gift of faith in His Son Jesus, you will enter into everlasting life with Him. Therefore, St. Paul wrote, “since God is for you nothing can be against you.” (Romans 8:28-39) This is why St. Paul exhorts you to pray to your heavenly Father continuously. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, hear my prayers and answer them according to Your holy will. Give me faith to trust You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I leave all things to God’s direction;   
He loves me both in joy and woe.  
His will is good, sure His affection;  
His tender love is true, I know.  
My fortress and my rock is He:  
What pleases God, that pleases me. 

God knows what must be done to save me;  
His love for me will never cease.  
Upon His hands He did engrave me  
With purest gold of loving grace.  
His will supreme must ever be:  
What pleases God, that pleases me. 

My God desires the soul’s salvation;  
My soul He too, desires to save.  
Therefore with Christian resignation  
All earthly troubles I will brave.  
His will be done eternally:  
What pleases God, that pleases me. 

My God has all things in His keeping;  
He is the ever faithful friend.  
He gives me laughter after weeping,  
And all His ways in blessings end.  
His love endures eternally:  
What pleases God, that pleases me.

I Leave All Things to God's Direction - LSB 719