Praying Matthew 6:11 “Give us this day our daily bread” is probably the part of the Lord’s Prayer we like the most. When we pray “Give us this day our daily bread,” we must first look at the source of our daily bread. Who are we actually saying “give us” to? We are submitting this request directly to our Father, because our daily bread is sourced in God. God’s provision for our daily bread goes back to the beginning of creation when He made all manner of vegetation and animals. In the garden, Adam was able to receive sustenance for his physical well-being because it had been provided by God. If there was no creation, there would be no food. If there was no food, there would be no daily bread. The Father is not only the sole source of our provision, but He provides for the entire universe as well
.
The provision God provides is called bread and is symbolic for any need we may have. In Matthew 6:33, we are told, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Our first priority must be seeking God’s kingdom in order to ensure that His kingdom is being taken care of. When we take care of God’s kingdom, then the King will provide the daily bread we need. Focusing on the kingdom of God will also shift our perspective from the physical (man-centered) to the spiritual (God-centered).
In Matthew 4:3-4, Jesus provided a great example of how to prioritize the spiritual over a physical need. After Jesus fasted in the wilderness for forty days and forty nights, Satan appeared to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.” Jesus was demonstrating that spiritual food would sustain us not only in this life but for all eternity, while physical food would only sustain us until our next meal.
“Give us this day our daily bread” also expresses selflessness when we include others and their needs in our prayers. Therefore when God does provide sustenance for us, we should respond by expressing love, concern, and compassion through sharing with those in need. Ultimately, it reminds us to remember that when we pray, God is the daily source for all our spiritual and physical provisions.
LET’S GET PERSONAL
- When a need for provision arises in your life, either who or what do you go to first? Please explain your response to the circle or group members.
- What provision do you find yourself asking God for frequently? Why do you think that provision comes up repeatedly when you pray?
- Have you experienced discontentment or ungratefulness regarding the daily bread God has provided? If yes, share the reason you feel discontentment. If no, explain how you remain grateful and content.
- Do you share your provision of daily bread given to you with others? If yes, in what ways do you share? If not, what prevents you from sharing with others?
- What does Luke 11:5-13tell us about God’s desire to meet our needs?
- What steps will you take to change worry into confident prayer when it comes to trusting God’s provision for your life?
- Want to go deeper? Take a look at the following passages, Matthew 6:25-33; Psalm 37:25; 104:10-21; Deuteronomy 8:18; John 6:32-35; Philippians 4:19; James 4:3.
“Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him and He will do it.”
