Our Daily Bread

“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Matthew 6:11

“Give us this day” is a simple plea that reaches the heart of our daily need for God. Friends, let us acknowledge that we are voicing a heartfelt cry of trust in God. We are trusting Him to provide all our daily needs, including physical needs like food and clothing, emotional needs like peace and joy, spiritual needs like strength against sin, and relational needs. 

This prayer reminds us that we are supported in every way by God's gracious provision. Jesus directs us not to worry about tomorrow but to focus on living in the present, taking each day as it comes and trusting Him for today's needs. 

In America, we are blessed in many ways, often overlooking gratitude for our daily provisions. In Exodus 16, we see how God provided manna in the wilderness for the Israelites—enough for each day. This miraculous provision reminds us that God wants to meet our needs right now. 

Daily bread is more than just physical nourishment; it symbolizes the grace, strength, and wisdom we need each day to live intentionally and with peaceful rest. As Philippians 4:19 assures us: 

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19

This prayer also teaches us humility. In asking for daily bread, we acknowledge that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). 

Beloved, we are reminded here from God's Holy Word that we cannot do it on our own; instead, we depend on God's grace and mercy in every situation. Adopting this mindset shifts us from trying to control everything to surrendering to His will, transforming anxiety into blessed assurance.

The word “us” emphasizes the communal nature of this prayer, urging us to consider the needs of others. When praying, “give us this day our daily bread,” we should also learn to ask for gifts of life, hope, and especially the bread of life, Jesus Himself, for those who hunger after Him. 

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst… (John 6:35). These words remind us that the bread we ask for is not only to fill a stomach but also to satisfy us through a personal relationship with Jesus.

Life Application:

Friends, start your day by praying the Lord's Prayer every morning for the next forty-five days. 

Ask the Lord to place this prayer on your heart and mind as you rise, setting your attitude on God before you get out of bed. Bring your needs to God in this moment, whether it's strength, peace, or provision, and trust Him to provide for you. 

Throughout your day, pray for opportunities to share your "bread" with others, whether that means offering a listening ear, a kind word, or tangible support to those in need.

Call to Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 

I trust You to provide for my needs today. I acknowledge that You, God, are my source of sustenance and strength. 

Lord, help me walk in faith, not fear, and make me sensitive to others' needs so I can be a blessing with what You provide. 

Lord Jesus, may I reflect Your love and generosity in all I do. 

In Jesus Name, Amen.