READING: John 8:21-59, Luke 10:1-11:13
“Give us each day our daily bread.” Jesus taught us via the “Model Prayer” of Luke 11 to pray this way. It’s a request for God to meet our needs each day; at the same time, though, it’s more than that. This portion of the prayer is also a recognition and confession that all we have every day is from our good Father, who gives Himself to us through His Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). Some scholars also understand the word translated “daily” bread as bread “for tomorrow”; if so, prayer is also a recognition that our tomorrows rest solely in God’s hands, too. Indeed, He is such a good, good Father that it makes little sense for us not to take all our requests to Him.
I’m reminded today how much God blesses me each day with life . . . health . . . marriage . . . a home . . . food . . . income . . . clothing . . . and on and on. Knowing my needs before I do, every day He provides them. He provides when I’m on the mountain and when I’m in the valley. He graciously gives even when He knows my spirit struggles believing or my heart wonders if He’s hearing my prayers. And, He knows today what I’ll need tomorrow should He choose to grant me life for another day. My responsibility is not to take those provisions for granted, but to turn to Him every day in need and gratitude.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How often do you ask the Lord for your daily needs?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, give us this day our daily bread. Thank You for being such a trustworthy, faithful God.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Luke 11:14-12:34
