Daily Bread

Scripture:
Luke 11:3, “Give us each day our daily bread.”

Observation:
After listening to Jesus pray, one of his disciples must have been impressed with the power of his praying. He asked Jesus to teach him to pray like that. Part of the way Jesus taught them to pray is to ask Him to give daily enough bread to get them through the day. Jesus wanted them to acknowledge that He is the provider. The prayer asks God to meet the daily need. This is a prayer of dependence. It is also a prayer that would have to be offered every day. We don’t ask weekly for weekly bread, or monthly or annually. We are not a bother to God. He wants us to seek Him on a daily basis. Jesus taught them to seek the basic necessities from God. Bread is not extravagant, but something basic, something necessary; something we ultimately can’t live without. We often ask God for the impossible, but He also wants us to remember He is the giver of everything.

Application:
As I think about how this verse applies to me it seems that God is telling me to stop and recognize that He is the one who gives me what I need. I am not independent of Him. I need him for the most fundamental things in my life. I must depend on Him. I also think He is saying to me to come to Him often — everyday — throughout the day. I don’t need to wait until I have a huge problem or I’m in trouble to come to him. God wants me to seek after him constantly everyday. I don’t bother him — I am His child and he wants me to come. I also need to make sure I’m not just asking for miracles, but acknowledging that my next breath comes from Him. He does give me bread for my body, but I also need bread for my soul in His word. I need rest for my body, peace in my mind and love in my heart. Each day I need to ask God for the things I can’t live without and only He can give.

Prayer:
Father, forgive me for my prayerlessness at times. I want to talk with You daily, constantly, and not just when I’m in pain or need a problem fixed. Lord you are the giver of every good and perfect gift. You provide for and meet my every need. Thank You for your gracious provision. Teach me to pray like Jesus. And teach me to depend on You for everything I need.

— Chip Henderson, senior pastor