What is the meaning of praying for our daily bread?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The concept of receiving our daily bread dates back to the Old Testament when God provided manna each day for the people of Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4–12; Deuteronomy 8:3). In today’s age, praying for our daily bread can involve asking God to provide the physical and spiritual needs we have (Matthew 6:9–13) and acknowledging that everything we have been given to survive this day is a gift (Matthew 5:45; Acts 17:28; Hebrews 1:3; James 1:17). Sadly, we too often struggle with discontentment instead of treasuring the blessings we already have, including our relationship with Jesus, which should be prioritized above all else (Matthew 6:24–33; 13:45–46). Praying for our daily bread can recenter us in the present moment (James 4:13–14) instead of getting stuck in worry over the future (Matthew 6:34). The phrasing of “our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11) is also crucial because it points back to our unity with other believers (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). A subtle trap that many believers fall into is getting caught up in earthly treasures, rather than setting their minds on heavenly things that have eternal weight (1 Timothy 6:8–9; Colossians 3:2–3). Ultimately, we should take after the example of Paul and embrace Jesus Christ as our true source of contentment (Philippians 4:11–13).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The concept of "daily bread" hearkens back to God's daily provision of manna for the Israelites (Exodus 16:4–12; Deuteronomy 8:3).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• When we pray for our daily bread, we acknowledge that everything we need to live each day is a gift from God (Matthew 5:45).
• To pray for our daily bread most simply means to ask God to provide for our daily food and other necessities. The phrase is from the "Lord's Prayer" (Matthew 6:9–13).
• The key to contentment is not having more stuff but treasuring Jesus above all things (Matthew 6:24–33; 13:45–46).
• When we pray for our daily bread, we can focus on the present, rather than having anxiety about the future (Matthew 6:34).
• Without God and His gifts, we could not survive a single day. In Him, we live and breathe and have our being (Acts 17:28).
• When we pray for our daily needs, we recognize our interconnectedness with fellow believers in Christ. We pray for God to give us our daily bread. By using the plural, we are identifying ourselves as belonging to the church, the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). There is no such thing as a lone ranger Christian. Therefore, we pray for our bread.
• The apostle Paul knew the secret to contentment was found in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:11–13). We can take after his example and ask for our Lord’s daily bread, rather than striving after worldly, fleeting pleasures that are sure to fall short of our spiritual needs.
• We often overestimate our physical needs and underestimate our spiritual needs (Colossians 3:2–3). Asking for our daily bread is a good reminder that our spiritual needs matter, too.
• When we pray for our daily bread, we can guard our hearts against greed and discontentment (1 Timothy 6:8–9). By focusing on our daily bread, we can ask for what we need and not for the excesses of our self-indulgent nature.
• Jesus upholds the entire universe in which we exist (Hebrews 1:3). This is a good reminder that he is already providing for us.
• The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the bread we eat are all dependent on the continuous graciousness of God. Every good and perfect gift is given to us by our merciful heavenly Father (James 1:17).
• By teaching us to ask for our daily bread, the importance of living in the present moment is emphasized. God has not guaranteed any of us a tomorrow (James 4:13–14).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

How often do you take time to pray and ask God to provide for your daily needs? How often do you recognize that even the ability to work and provide in this world comes from Him? Our self-sufficiency and pride would dissipate if we reflected on that more often. Our priorities would shift. We are totally dependent on God for life and all its necessities. We can trust Him to provide for us without worrying (Matthew 6:25–34) because He is good and faithful. God not only provides for our daily needs; He has provided us what we need most—salvation in Jesus Christ. Romans 8:32 says, "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35). We can live in daily dependence on Him, trusting Him to meet all our needs and asking Him for provision for today.

UNDERSTAND

• God’s provision for us is our daily bread.
• Praying for our daily bread means recognizing that all we have is from Him and trusting in Him to provide.
• God provided our daily bread first and foremost by providing for our greatest need: salvation.

REFLECT

• How do you intentionally recognize and thank God for His provision?
• What signs help you see when you are not depending on God or praying to Him for your daily bread?
• What impact does praying for your daily bread have on your outlook on life, work, and needs?

ENGAGE

• What is the connection between God’s provision of our daily bread and our own responsibility in working hard and providing for ourselves and family?
• Why are humility and gratitude essential in praying for our daily bread?
• How can we encourage each other to recognize God’s love and care in providing for us?