Truett burst through the front door with exciting news one afternoon, anxious to share his latest find. “Mom! I found a praying mantis. Can you believe it! They’re pretty rare around here.”
It was certainly one of the biggest bugs they’d seen in the fields around their home. The beautiful emerald green insect crawled from hand to hand, curious about its new environment.
Considered a symbol of peace, contemplation, and prayer, the word “mantis” in Greek literally means prophet or seer. The prayerful pose we recognize in these insects is not actual prayer or meditation of course, but a pose designed to help them capture prey. The “prayers” of this fascinating creature are actually part of an intricately designed plan for their survival.
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
There are many things in this life that distract us from seeking what matters most. Technology. Financial stress. Family discord. Health concerns. Sin. The miraculous thing is when we quiet our hearts and minds and seek God first, He helps us clear away the clutter of this world, and blesses us with the things we need to take the next right step. With God, we can not only survive, but thrive.
And you know what else? God will provide for all our needs. How poetic that a prayerful pose is a matter of survival for us as believers, too.
Let’s pray.
Lord, your incredible creation is filled with reminders to turn to you in all things. We thank you for that, and we love you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Cool T-shirt! Where’d ya get it? Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.
Choose to Forgive
Forgiveness
A Heart for the Lord
Inward Peace
Call on the Lord
Comfort & Healing
Contemporary Wisdom
For God So Loved the World
Our No. 1 Relationship
The Richest Gift
Start with Love
Relationships in Harmony
True Love
All the Right Reasons
The Jealousy Monster
Compelled to Be Kind
The Patience of Job
God Stays with Us
Covered and Blessed
Passing the Torch
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Life After Ministry
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)