Matthew 6:9-13 (4)

Before we consider the next request in the Lord’s prayer consider these words of John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, concerning our Father:

Naturally the name of God is awe-inspiring to us, especially when He is first introduced to us by those names that express His justice, holiness, power, and glory -- but the word Father is a familiar word; instead of frightening the sinner, it persuades the heart to love, to be pleased with the thought of Him. That is why Christ also, when He wanted us to pray with holy assurance, put this word Father into our mouths ... knowing that the familiarity such a word implies, the children of God will find the confidence to pray for and ask great things. I myself have often found that when I can say only this word, Father, it does me more good than when I call Him by any other Scripture name.

Give us this day our daily bread

Bread is a staple of the diet of many people in the world.  It speaks to us of basic sustenance.  Therefore we understand this request to be one of asking our Father to care for our day-to-day needs.  We know God is concerned for and desires to provide for us as we seek Him concerning …

·        Our health, James 5:14-15; 2 Chron. 16:12.

·        Our work, 1 Thess 4:11-12; Deut. 8:18.

·        Our peace (a stable society), 1 Tim. 2:1-4.

·        Our family, 2 Cor 12:14; 1 Tim. 5:4,8,16.

·        Our marriage, Prov. 18:22; 19:14.

·        Our food, 1 Tim. 4:4-5.

·        Our clothing, Matt. 6:28-30.

Note too that this is a daily prayer.  We pray today for today’s needs.  The value in this is that we see God as involved in what might be considered the mundane matters of life, and we are brought to Him every day for these needs.  One is reminded of the manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16).  Every day the Israelites were dependent on God.  This provision was not made by Moses (the government), nor was it the result of Israelite ingenuity.  And even if we think that we know where today’s needs are coming from and that all is well, Jesus still teaches us to pray this day for our daily bread.

Are you living in daily dependence on God?