“Give us today our daily bread.” – Matthew 6:11

It was interesting for me to discover that the original word translated ‘daily’ appears only here in the Lord’s Prayer in the entire New Testament.

For that reason, its literal meaning is debated by Bible scholars.

Many therefore conclude that it’s better translated as ‘essential’ or ‘enough.’

When the children of Israel were in the wilderness, God would feed them with manna, which used to fall daily.

They could not keep any it for tomorrow’s supply because it would go bad if kept overnight.

This was meant to teach God’s people to depend on God’s providence for their essential needs on a daily basis.

“But what if it doesn’t fall tomorrow and yet I have infants in the house?”

Some ‘wise’ mothers could have wondered.

Well, it was purely an act of faith – no gathering more manna than today’s need!

So, when our Lord Jesus taught the disciples to pray that “give us today our daily bread,” it was a reminder of God’s daily supply of manna to Israel in the wilderness.

Faith-filled petition must be practiced on a daily basis; it’s a daily walk of faith.

The psalmist prayed; “Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your Name forever and ever” (Psalm 145:2).

Like every loving parent, God desires that His children believe that He can take care of them on a daily basis.

Our Lord Jesus is teaching us to come to God with humble dependence, acknowledging that all our basic needs are met by His gracious provision, not our own efforts.

Later in the teaching (verse 26), He pointed at the birds in air, which don’t plant crops or gather a harvest into barns “yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”

“Are you not much better than them?” He asked.

When a brother or sister is in need or doesn’t have enough, we’re all in need!

The Lord is encouraging us to focus on the needs of “this day” rather than worrying excessively about tomorrow.

Does it mean we should shun the wisdom of saving for the ‘winter season’ and instead consume everything during the ‘harvest season’?

Of course not. God provides what is ‘sufficient’ for the day.

But it’s not merely just about food for physical nourishment.

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus said, “’It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

So, just as physical food nourishes the physical body, the Rhema Word that comes from the mouth of God nourishes our souls.

Praying for “daily bread” may mean an appeal for God’s truth, guidance, and wisdom to sustain us spiritually each day.

Yesterday’s word may not be sufficient for today’s need; we must hear from the Lord daily.

Finally, I love the pronouns in our meditation verse today.

It says “give us” not ‘give me,’ which highlights the communal aspect of true prayer.

It’s a prayer for all of humanity, particularly those who lack basic necessities.

Implicitly, it calls each of us to be instruments of God’s provision for others – sharing what we have with others.

When a brother or sister is in need or doesn’t have enough, we’re all in need!