“Jesus said to them, ‘Whenever you pray, say: Father, Your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves also forgive everyone in debt to us. And do not bring us into temptation.’”
{Luke 11:2-4 HCSB}
Our Daily Bread
I know I can go to God with the big things.
A world embattled with poverty.
A nation divided by ideology.
A soul enslaved by iniquity.
But for some reason, I’m less inclined to go to God with the littler things.
A gas tank emptied by miles.
A paycheck absorbed by bills.
A pantry depleted by bellies.
And yet, when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, Jesus included something in His exemplary prayer that speaks to our needs in our everyday lives.
When we pray, we’re to . . .
. . . acknowledge our Father as holy, His name hallowed for eternity.
. . . ask for His kingdom to come, on earth as it is in heaven.
. . . seek His forgiveness, and extend it to others.
. . . lean on His power, to overcome temptation.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
But also?
Right there in the middle of the His prayer, Jesus teaches us — He says it’s okay! — to pray for our daily bread.
Our daily bread.
The bread we need to nourish our bodies and grow our families.
Simple, life-giving bread.
The Lord’s Prayer focuses not only on our spiritual needs, but also on our physical-material needs as well. We can pray for our daily bread. Which means we can pray for our physical needs. And in doing so, we acknowledge God as our Provider, and we recognize our dependence on Him.
Praying for our daily bread is another way of seeing God as our daily Provider,
which then gives us the chance to thank Him for His wonderful provision.
What can you give thanks for today?
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Denise,
I’ve been doing the 7 day challenge to Choose Gratitude from The Happiness Dare. So far my thankful list includes things like: tasty scones, beagle kisses, a warm home with a hot cup of coffee, yellow-orange leaves against a blue sky…nothing tremendously monumental…but ironically the first item was a “daily bread” entry. I believe, like you, that God calls us to give thanks in the small everyday things, not just the big blessings. I believe that when we are obedient to give thanks, then gratitude and joy are sure to follow. Great post!
Blessings,
Bev
Lynn says
Thankful for living where I can experience the change of seasons. Most recently I breathed deep as I walked though a path of fallen leaves, enjoyed an evening campfire and hospitality of new friends and ate some amazing homemade bread that was easy to make (a recipe shared by another new friend who recently showed us hospitality). I am trying to pause in the middle of a busy season to enjoy these gifts from our Heavenly Father and thank for the many blessings He has given me.
Brenda-lee says
Hi Friends,
I thank you for the wonderful words reminding us how, why and what to give God thanks for.
It’s so beautiful to focus on what Jesus taught us to say.
I always thank Him for providing food for my family.
Today, my prayer of Thanksgiving is for the new job I will be starting soon. Just received the good news on Friday.
Corena Hall says
He meets every need according to His riches. That’s the cautionary tale needs not wants my Lord. My gratitude Jesus for blessings big and small and in the midst of it all. You are mighty to save indeed and Holy is Your Name. Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.
Thank you for this necessary reminder.
Mary says
Love this beautiful reminder, Denise! Thank you!
Lynette says
I am thankful for: an extra hour to spend as I choose, a woodpecker I watched as I ate breakfast, a beautiful sunrise a thankful heart
Rebecca L Jones says
Healing, I’ve seen major improvement in my health. Much better that past Thanksgivings. And I agree with Bev, I got a much need pup kiss yesterday.
Debi Gable says
I’m thankful that my son & his family (wife, 2 daughters & 1 infant boy) are coming over this afternoon for lunch. We haven’t seen the baby (Lyndon – 2 months old) for a month, due to illness & a painful loss. I’m so excited to see all of them. And, I’m thankful God helped J & me to joyfully clean the house yesterday (no arguing). Thank you, Jesus.
Penny says
Denise,
Thank-you for your words this morning,
I’m thankful to start my day with my Canary greeting me, and after a week’s long storm, to see the sun.
For the rainbow yesterday, when my son had wondered, “If there’d be one at all.” Then to be drawn to the beach, and see one ray of light shine on a cluster of trees, in the foreground. I wondered why, and my 10 year old replied,
“Maybe it’s God shining through.” So thankful for his Faith in Him.
I’m thankful a dear friend called that I’d been thinking of.
Thankful to share, learn, and grow from all of you.
The moments with loved ones, fresh air, the beauty of nature abound, choices, and for a warm, dry home with bread to serve.
(They’re not all small I know)….
Blessings & thanks to you all,
Penny
Beth Williams says
Denise,
How coincidental. Our sermon today was on giving thanks in everything. When I get down r a little depressed I go to my computer and start typing a “thankful” list. I include big items like God, Jesus, sins forgiven. I also list less thought of items like body parts (eyes, ears, brain; see , hear & think). Then I go on to include really simple items like leaves changing colors, different seasons, paper, pens, flashlights, etc. I want to include as many items as I possibly can to make myself realize how blessed I am. My list is usually around 200+ items. I quickly get undepressed.
Blessings:)
Theresa says
I’m giving thanks for spending the day with my family. Taking a long hike together and just hanging out together in this beautiful fall foliage.