Our Fatherনমুনা

RELIANCE

Jesus turns the attention of the disciples now towards their daily affairs, after having given them a glimpse of God as Father and King. This awareness of who God is, is to shape the rhythm of our everyday lives. And Jesus starts by addressing one of our basic human needs: food.

When the Israelites were in the desert, God provided them with daily bread. It was literally bread for every day. They could not store it and save it up for the next day, as it would spoil overnight. They were invited to trust God to provide for them each day. We live in an uncertain and ever-changing world. This prayer is a good reminder for us not to be anxious about what tomorrow will bring but entrust all to God.

This prayer invites us to develop a rhythm of reliance and gratitude. This rhythm reminds us of our needs and our source of fulfillment. And it enables us to lift our eyes from our situations to the One who provides for us.

Once again, we are drawn to the power of the "our." This is not a prayer that is simply concerned with “my” needs and wants, but that of the community’s. Rather than hoarding, we are to live generously and give to those who do not have bread.

Prayer Points:

• Think about the places in your communities where there is lack. It could be a lack of food, housing, access to education, or employment. What is life like for children and young people in these situations? Bring your community, church, and country to God in prayer.
• What is the challenge here for those of us who have enough for today as well as plenty for tomorrow? How do we ensure we aren’t hoarding or holding on to what we could be sharing with others? How do we live out of a sense of God’s abundance rather than a position of lack? You may like to include a time of silence or communal lament.
• Spend some time praying for children and young people who are suffering from a lack of certainty. This may be the physical provision of enough food. It may also be anxiety and mental health challenges as a result of living in uncertain times. Pray for those who struggle to know how they will face tomorrow. Use the words of the Lord’s Prayer to guide you as you pray with hope for the future.

As we seek God in prayer, we also remember that God is the one who has provided our greatest need – the Bread of Life, Jesus. We receive more than just our daily bread. We also receive the Bread of Life, Jesus, who sustains us now and unto eternity.