“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11
June 29, 2026
Rarely, if ever, do we in the Western world have to deal with anxiety about what we will eat day to day. Walking into a modern grocery store was never in the imagination of the disciples of Jesus. But the truth still stands that it’s God who provides for our daily physical needs. Ezekiel Hopkins, the Puritan, says, “Our Savior, in his providence, gives us heavenly blessings as a happy addition to the earthly blessings he daily bestows upon us.” God knows we need to eat. He gave millions of Israelites nutritious manna six out of seven days a week for forty years. Our prayer life should include trust in God for our personal needs. “Once we have prayed for God’s heavenly glory, then it is right for us to pray for our own earthly good” (Philip Ryken). Every Christian is tested in some way every day. Learn to pray for commonplace things such as parking places, wisdom in matching our money with what’s available in the grocery story, and thankfulness for the ability to work and earn our food that comes from God’s hand. (Jas. 1:17).
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Reflections:
Have you ever had to live hand to mouth or been with those who had to survive that way?
Do our prayers at meal time reflect thoughtful and heartfelt thanks for God’s provisions?