Previously, we began to look at the Lord’s response to the petition of his disciples to teach them to pray. What has become commonly known as “the Lord’s prayer” opens with “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth” (Luke 11:2). We touched on each of the phrases previously and now move on to the remainder.
Having acknowledged the sovereignty of God and expressing desire to allow that will to govern his own life, the petitioner expresses his dependence upon the Lord. “Give us day by day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3). It is a simple yet profound expression of reliance by the creature upon the Creator that contemplates two concepts. The first is the matter of daily bread, which constitutes not just food, but all that is needed to serve God and fulfill his purpose for the day at hand. The Lord used the most basic necessity for living to exemplify all that we need, food, housing, raiment, strength, etc.
The second concept recognizes that this reliance is necessarily “day by day.” Every day is different from the one preceding it and, consequently, the needs for each new day vary. God supplies them all and He invites us to look to Him daily in prayer for that supply.
It is easy to lose sight of God’s daily provision. We buy enough groceries to last several days at a time, our closets are full of clothing, and our credit cards stand ready to meet every need and desire. These things all have a way of diminishing the recognition of our daily dependence upon God. But God reminded Israel as they were about to enter Canaan “thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18).
We are so self-centered that we seldom take stock of the blessing of God’s provision. Yet He is the one who endowed us with talents and abilities that we employ for our welfare. As Paul reminded the Corinthians “For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive?” (I Corinthians 4:7). God’s leading and favor is in all of our advancements. Have you ever wondered why the job you have went to you and not a different candidate who was equally qualified?
Our lives are consumed with building things, acquiring things, and caring for things. Yet God shows himself strong in that he provides timely sales that meet our needs, neighbors and friends to help in our expansions and repairs, and “unexpected” provisions along our way. He keeps older cars running, roofs from leaking, and shoes from wearing out.
Finally, He gives us our health. Sin’s effects on the earth has brought its curse upon our lives. Sickness is part of that curse as well as the demanding character of work. Yet God gives health and strength to work and blesses our labors with fruitfulness.
Do you acknowledge your daily need of God’s care and provision? Furthermore, do you give thanks to God for meeting your needs? The Psalmist wrote “The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfies the desire of every living thing” (Psalm 145:15-16).
From the Chaplain 