Thursday, May 7, 2026

           Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.  Almost in the middle of this model prayer, Jesus said, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).  If you have ever thought about memorizing Scripture, this simple verse is a good place to start. While only seven words long, this verse teaches us some important lessons about the faithfulness of God and our need to lean into His faithfulness every day.  At first glance and reading, we might conclude that this verse is a prayer for food—our daily bread.  We might think it is a prayer whereby we ask God to give us the food we need to do the work of the day and to complete the tasks of the day.  Such an initial conclusion or interpretation is not wrong.  Not at all.  But it might be incomplete.  And it might be at risk of selling this verse a little short or underestimating all that this verse has to say to us.  It may be good to zoom out to take a broader look at the truth that Jesus was trying to teach us in these seven words.
            First, this verse reminds us that God is more than able to meet ALL needs—not just the need for food each day.  Every need can be met by the Lord.  Nothing is too great for Him to do.  This verse teaches us the truth that Peter wrote later in the New Testament.  We are to cast all our cares (hunger and all others) on the Lord because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).  Our God is able.  His grace is sufficient for us.  This verse is the voice of our Creator and Savior speaking to us and calling us to call upon His name for the daily bread and daily blessings that we need.
            Second, this verse teaches us to trust whatever God grants and supplies to us.  We can note that Jesus’ teaching did not give us a specific kind of bread, or a specific quantity of bread or the times when we would like the bread to be delivered.  Jesus did not get bogged down in the details because there was no need to do so.  Too many details lead to the risk of missing what Jesus was trying to teach us.  God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than all we could ever ask or imagine (see Ephesians 3:20).  God does not have to ration bread or just provide a small bite here and there.  His warehouse of daily blessings is infinitely full—much bigger than all the world’s bakeries and bread houses combined.  Even more than all the Amazons of the world.  The Lord even knows what we need before we ask Him to supply that need (Matthew 6:8). 
            Third, we do not have to sweat the deadlines or trials that we face.  God has what we need when we need it.  He is not too late or too early in sending the daily gifts of bread, grace, strength or forgiveness.  Our view of God is often too small.  Our brains can easily lock into one way of seeing God but it never does justice to His power and might.  God spoke the vast universe into existence.  God has ordered and planned history in a way that brings glory to Him.  Surely our daily needs are not too big for Him to satisfy.
            Fourth, this verse from Jesus teaches us to approach the Lord daily—not on occasion or a whim.  Daily.  We may have to wait on an appointment with a doctor or for
a haircut but we never have to wait in line to talk with God or be received by Him.  We can always go boldly and immediately to His throne of grace (see Hebrews 4:16).  You can also return to the Lord’s throne as many times as you like on any day.  God’s throne is more like a buffet than a drive through.  We can delight in His goodness and grace throughout the day.  Some may never pray or even approach God apart from Sundays.  But God is no less accessible the other six days of the week either.  God taught Israel to seek Him daily through the gift of manna.  Manna was not to be gathered in advance (with the exception of the Sabbath) or stored up for future use.  By inviting people to gather their manna, their daily bread, each day at a time, the Lord was teaching Israel a lesson about His goodness and faithfulness.  Memorize the seven words that make up Matthew 6:11. Let these seven simple words capture your mind and heart to see and know God in greater ways!  Have a great Thursday!