Teach Us to PrayPrøve

The Blessing of Prayer

“Give us this day our daily bread." This profound Prayer speaks to our awareness that God is intimately acquainted with our needs and our constant requirement for sustenance. It's an acknowledgment that every aspect of our lives, even our basic necessities, are under His watchful and caring gaze.

When we reflect on the stories of God's Provision in the Bible, we see remarkable examples of how He met the needs of His people. Consider the accounts of the prophet Elijah and the Israelites in the desert.

Elijah, during a time of drought and famine, was miraculously fed by God. Ravens brought him bread and meat by the brook Cherith, sustaining him day by day. Later, when he encountered a widow and her son who were down to their last meal, God multiplied their meager provisions, ensuring they had enough to eat throughout the famine. These stories exemplify how God's Divine Provision can come in unexpected ways, supplying not just for the day but also for the days to come.

Similarly, the Israelites' journey through the desert provides another powerful illustration of God's Provision. As they wandered in the wilderness, God provided manna from Heaven—a Supernatural Bread that sustained them throughout their arduous journey. He also ensured that their clothing did not wear out, and their shoes did not wear thin. This daily provision of manna demonstrated God's Faithfulness in meeting their physical needs day after day.

Furthermore, it's intriguing to observe that the Greek term employed for 'daily' in this prayer, "epiousios," carries an intriguing dual meaning. While it is commonly interpreted as "daily," it can also be understood as "for the coming day" or "of tomorrow." This duality invites us to delve into a profound spiritual truth. When we utter the request for our daily bread, we are not merely seeking immediate fulfillment of our physical needs; we are also yearning for a glimpse of the Eternal Bread—otherworldly sustenance that nourishes our souls.

So, when we pray, "Give us this day our daily bread," it is a reminder not only of our dependence on God for our immediate physical sustenance but also a reflection of God's Faithfulness in providing for His people throughout history. It prompts us to trust in the Loving Provider who goes beyond our physical needs to meet our spiritual hunger as well. Just as God provided for Elijah and the Israelites in the desert, He continues to provide for us today, nourishing both our bodies and our souls.

Reflection Question

• What are some ways you can express gratitude for the provision of your daily bread in your life?
• Reflect on a time when you felt God's Provision in your life. How did it impact your faith and perspective?

Prayer

Lord, You are my Provider, the One who knows my needs before I speak them. I trust in Your abundant Grace to meet my physical needs each day. May I never take for granted the sustenance You faithfully provide. But beyond the physical, I also seek the Bread of Your Word, the nourishment for my soul. Feed me with Your Wisdom, Your Love, and Your Guidance, so that I may grow in my spiritual journey. In Jesus Name, I ask. Amen.