Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11
Not many meetings go by in which somebody doesn’t pray too long. Most of us who take part are guilty of prayers that are longer than they need to be. Some long prayers are monotonous and difficult to ignore. Some long prayers are unwise, such as taking taking seven minutes to give thanks for a meal when children are present. Very few long prayers are justified, because, as our text illustrates, it is possible to pray effectively and with great meaning in a very few words.
Give us – these opening words are an admission that everything good is given to us from God. These words tell us that we do not, of ourselves, possess the ability to provide for our needs. In this word, we acknowledge that our supply is from God alone.
This day – these words speak of our faith that our God knows and meets the immediate needs we encounter every day. Many have prayed this prayer who had no idea where the next meal was to appear from, but in asking, they expected God to supply. And He did. We do not ask for tomorrow’s bread, but for that which will sustain us today and meet the immediate need. These words remind us that our tomorrow is not our concern; we can safely leave that to our Heavenly Father even as we appreciate His bounty for today.
Our – this word tells us that our prayers are personal. We can surely pray that others will be fed, and receive what they need from God. But our personal requirements for food, clothing, and shelter are our most basic an intimate needs, and we must commit those to our kind and loving Father.
Daily – I cannot remember a day in my entire life in which I had nothing to eat. My Father’s mercies are new every morning and over the many years He has not failed. This word tells us of our confidence that is well placed in a Father who knows and cares, and who is consistent in His care.
Bread – this word tells us that we can in complete confidence rely on our Father to meet the needs, but not the greeds. We ask not for a feast or for fancy treats; those may well come but they are not basic to our survival or our comfort. In asking for bread, we show humility in confessing to God that we must not be greedy.
In these simple words of prayer are many deep and precious truths. The Father Who provides our daily bread today would have us ask in confidence, in hope, in humility, and in rejoicing at His willingness to feed us. -Jim MacIntosh