I’m a late convert to the Lord’s Prayer. Unlike others, I didn’t grow up reciting it regularly at church or school. Only recently have I discovered its power as a daily prayer. And when I get to the line “Give us today the food we need” (Matthew 6:11), three things strike me:
It’s today’s food we ask for, not tomorrow’s. Those who were originally taught this prayer were humble first-century villagers (Matthew 4:23–5:2). They didn’t have refrigerators. Each day they faced the challenge of obtaining food. As we pray this prayer, we’ll learn to live in the present moment too, worrying less about tomorrow and trusting God with today (Matthew 6:25–26).
We ask for the food we need. Jesus expects us to pray communally—in churches, families, and in solidarity with our neighbors. As we pray this prayer, we’ll become more sensitive to needs around us—for empty bellies in poverty, for those struggling to pay their bills, and for the isolated and lonely. Praying for what we need means what we have is to be shared. We’ll grow in generosity too.
We pray for the things we need. Our complex bodies hunger for nutrients that God has provided in the hills, fields, and streams of creation. But we also need clothes, work, sleep, and safety as much as food, and we bring all these needs to God too. Praying this way will help us discern the difference between wants and necessities.
Our food may come from the grocery store, and before that from the farmer, but it ultimately comes from God. As we pray this prayer, we’ll begin to see God’s unseen hand behind all we have, trust Him with our daily needs, and restrain greed.
So give us today the food we need, Lord. And thank You for everything we’re about to receive.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 25:1-30
More:
Read Philippians 4:6 and see how Paul instructs us to pray and what to pray for.
Next:
What need do you have today? What hungers do you think God most wants to satisfy in your life?
Gary Shultz on September 9, 2016 at 6:06 am
Sheridan, I liked the insight you bring in a practical way. I am not bragging nor am I bravely independent, but I very seldom have to ask for basic needs. God always has blessed in that department. As you point out; however, we are still closely reliant on God regardless of how we have been blessed. All we have to do is look at the news and see one day plenty, next day floods, fires, earthquake, terror, and storm has taken it all. So regardless of our reserve, we would do well to be thankful. In blessing we still need to humbly acknowledge and thank God for His blessing. Yes, I am thankful for the beloved “frig” and there are many more steps between the consumer and the creator than what was experienced for centuries, but God gives and blesses, blessed be His name. And as we awake each day with it’s food let’s move to areas where we can be a blessing and testimony to His great care. Thanks Sheridan
hsnpoor on September 9, 2016 at 12:00 pm
Amen, Gary, and thank you, Sheridan, for slowing the pace to offer a fresh insight on a prayer that is so familiar as to almost be unnoticed in our busy and hectic comings and goings.
Sheridan Voysey on September 9, 2016 at 3:40 pm
Yes, we get so used to having ready access to food. No wonder we struggle with gratitude! The ‘our’ bit helps us to pray for those without, which will sensitise us to their needs and our supply.
ecclesiastes on September 9, 2016 at 7:18 am
But we also pray for that spiritual food we need to nourish us. In the same way that bread nourishes our human body so the food we receive at the Eucharist we sustain us on our spiritual journey
gagirllive on September 9, 2016 at 7:43 am
Sheridan, when I read this I immediately thought about the Old Testament record of God’s provision of manna for His people as they wandered in the desert. It was a “daily” need that He wanted them to trust Him to provide. His specific instructions were that they gather only enough to meet their family’s need for each day and no more. Their lack of trust led to greed and hoarding whereby what they had gathered in excess turned into maggots. What a lesson for us today on so many levels! While there is nothing wrong with wise planning and preparation for the future, I think we need to be careful to examine our thoughts and motives behind it. Is God our Source? Are we trusting Him alone to be our security, peace, and provision for all we need? Are we content and grateful for today’s portion without fretting about tomorrow’s? Like Gary, I have been extremely blessed my whole life with more than enough, materially speaking. And I am careful to give thanks for it everyday and to be generous with the bounty. But a greater challenge for me, if I’m not mindful, is trusting Him for “daily grace” to deal with the hurts, heartaches, and frustrations of life. Projecting into the future causes me to worry today. What if my prodigal doesn’t come home? What if something happens to my husband?What if my health fails? What if this or that? I have to remind myself that He gives grace in proportion to today’s need. I won’t get tomorrow’s grace today, and there won’t be any leftover grace for tomorrow’s need either. Sufficient is His grace for each new day, isn’t it? An ongoing lesson for me. Thank you for this encouragement, Sheridan. Manifold blessings to you!
sandy229 on September 9, 2016 at 10:17 am
I like the way you put that GAgirl………. I won’t get tomorrow’s grace today, and there won’t be any leftover grace for tomorrow’s need either. That is an ongoing lesson for me too. 🙂 Also I too was thinking about the Old Testament record of God’s provision of manna for His people as they wandered in the desert, and how they were hoarding the food and it turned to maggots…..yukk…and they still didn’t listen to God so they had to finally pay the price for that.
hsnpoor on September 9, 2016 at 12:13 pm
I did too, GG, and I’m with you on where you went with the manna connection, especially as it relates to worries. I think all of us know, at least in our heads, that God breaks, molds, prunes & shapes us by allowing a certain amount of suffering and pain in our lives. So, we learn to not necessarily embrace these painful circumstances, but we’re not surprised & dismayed by them and instead of being worn down and overwhelmed by them, we look for God’s purpose and plan in them. As the Lord leads and guides us through the perils of life on earth, we learn as the apostles did, that there is no where else to go to find answers and solace in this life, than the author and sustainer of our lives. As that head knowledge drops into our hearts, our worries decrease as our trust in the Lord increases. I know what I have in my mind and heart to say here, but I’m not so sure I communicated it adequately. But, we’re all siblings here, so y’all know what I mean…:). Right?
gagirllive on September 9, 2016 at 12:36 pm
I know exactly what you’re saying, Kim, and I totally agree!
sandy229 on September 9, 2016 at 4:23 pm
Oh I know exactly what you mean Kim! I totally agree with you.
Sheridan Voysey on September 9, 2016 at 3:48 pm
Yes, those worries do creep in. And I too struggle with the trusting in heart, not just in head. Matthew 6:25-34 is one for us both to meditate on. Thanks for the honesty and insights.
Tom Felten on September 9, 2016 at 9:12 am
Sheridan, it’s a beautiful thing when we call out to God with grateful hearts, acknowledging He’s our Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer. The simple act of acknowledging that our daily bread (all we have and will have) flows from Him, is a sign of profound worship.
envirotact on September 9, 2016 at 9:51 am
Sheridan, if you (or anyone else) ever want to read a really good book that breaks down the Lord’s prayer verse by verse, Phillip Keller’s “A Shepherd Looks at the Lord’s Prayer” is a great read. I read it over 30 years ago and it still comes to mind when I say the Lord’s prayer. Its especially helpful for new believers or those who struggle with how to pray.
Sheridan Voysey on September 9, 2016 at 3:42 pm
I’ve heard of it. Thanks for the reminder!
sandy229 on September 9, 2016 at 10:11 am
The pastor at our church was talking about people who store food for the future just in case we have an earthquake which is pretty common here. So we survive the earthquake only to die from food poisoning because we stored so much food for so long, we didn’t even consider the expiration date. People store all this food in preparation for earthquakes and it takes up so much space in our cupboards or garage’s. What a waste of space and money spent on food we think we will need in case something bad happens. Actually I am waiting for Jesus to return and “shake this place”! Now when that happens, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. No one will have to worry about food then. So we need to depend on God for our daily needs. Thanks Sheridan for this message today.
As we walk in faith we must learn to see our present circumstances in light of the future promises of God. Though we are works of progress now, we have hope knowing that God will complete the work He is doing in us. We can endure suffering now because we know that it is momentary compared to the eternity we will spend in the glorious presence of Jesus. We can be content in every circumstance now, knowing that we will have all of God’s riches in glory. We must walk by faith and set our eyes on Jesus until we see Him face to face.
Philippians 4:19 “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Shalom
gagirllive on September 9, 2016 at 10:33 am
I know what you mean, Sandy. There is a lot of “prepping” going on these days—emergency/disaster preparedness. If only people were more concerned about being prepared spiritually! I’m with you—I’m not trying to stay here. 🙂
hsnpoor on September 9, 2016 at 12:18 pm
Amen, Sandy! Amen, GG! I ain’t trying to stay here either…..I’m not trying to rush up out of here, either…:)! Reminds of that story J. Vernon McGee told about the Southern minister who asked his congregation who wanted to board the Glory Train. Every hand in the place went up, except for one young man on the front pew. The minister asked him “don’t you want to go to heaven”? He replied “yes, but I thought you were getting a load up to go tonight”!
gagirllive on September 9, 2016 at 12:38 pm
LOL! …too funny! J. Vernon McGee is one of my faves.
Sheridan Voysey on September 9, 2016 at 3:49 pm
Ha! Thanks for this laugh.
minkjh on September 9, 2016 at 10:57 am
Thanks for the reminder to pray the Lord’s Prayer everyday, Sheridan. And the emphasis always should be on ‘pray’. Too often it becomes mere recitation when used in corporate worship. For those of us who go back a few years, I recall a Discovery Series publication by Haddon Robinson titled ‘Jesus’ Blueprint For Prayer’ which was excerpted from his book ‘What Jesus Said About Successful Living’ from DHP. There’s a wealth of commentary here and the section labeled God’s Provision gets to the heart of how and what we should ask God to provide us. One comment Dr. Robinson makes really echoes your message- “Pray for bread, the necessities for life, not the luxuries. Ask for bread, not cake.” May we always be mindful of that which our Father deems sufficient for our sustenance.
hsnpoor on September 9, 2016 at 12:21 pm
Puts me in mind of so many, often in the church, who purchase what they want and then beg for what they need. I’ve done some serious praying about a cure for that situation.
minkjh on September 9, 2016 at 3:55 pm
How true, Kim. Pray that they all become like Mary and choose the good portion which will never be taken away.
jef on September 9, 2016 at 11:11 am
Reminds me of visit to junkyard, that all these were once prized trophies…..One day at a time sweet Jesus tomorrow may never be mine….
sandy229 on September 9, 2016 at 11:15 am
I love that song!!! 🙂
mb19339 on September 9, 2016 at 1:21 pm
“Praying for what we need means what we have is to be shared. We’ll grow in generosity too.” Thankful for that insight!