A snake or serpent is the harmful reply mentioned

Give something fitting and helpful rather than a harmful substitute

Give something harsher so the person learns a lesson

Avoid answering so you do not risk getting it wrong

Change the request into something more impressive

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and tried to meet my needs in ways that do harm. I turn from my sin and ask you to forgive me. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I trust you as my Lord, and I ask you to lead me into your good and life-giving way. Amen.

Receive the One Who Gives What Is Good

Father, revive your church so we do not answer need with harm or give what is unsafe. Make us discerning, generous, and kind, and teach us to reflect your goodness in what we offer others, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Renew Your Church in Wise Care

Father, where I am asking for what I need, keep me from settling for harmful substitutes. Give me what is fitting, safe, and life-giving, and help me recognize your goodness, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Give Me What Is Good

Name one request you expect to receive today. Ask God to help you answer it with something good rather than careless or harmful. Then thank him for his wise care and ask for a steady heart.

Pray for Discernment Before You Respond

Thank God for the ways he has given you what was truly helpful, not merely what seemed easy. Thank him for times he protected you from harmful substitutes and taught you to trust his care.

Gratitude for Safe Provision

Pray for someone who fears being disappointed when they ask for help, for a person whose past makes them wary of care, and for places where your own words can become safe, helpful, and trustworthy.

For People Who Need Safe Help

⸀ἢ{EE###EE###Or} καὶ{KE###KEH###also} ⸂ἰχθὺν{ikh-THEEN###eekh-THEEN###a fish} αἰτήσει⸃—{e-TEE-see###eh-TEE-see###he will ask for} μὴ{MEE###MEE###not} ὄφιν{O-feen###OH-feen###a serpent} ἐπιδώσει{e-pee-DO-see###eh-pee-DOH-see###he will give} αὐτῷ;{af-TO###ahf-TOH###him}

Matthew 7:10 — Source TextTAB

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