A Prayer for Provision
By Emma Danzey
Matthew 6:11 says, “Give us this day our daily bread.”
Smack dab in the middle of the Lord’s prayer found in Matthew 6 and Luke 11, Jesus is teaching his followers how to pray. After He has blessed the name of God the Father and shared his desire for the Lord’s kingdom to come and will to be done, we find a few short yet powerful words: give us this day our daily bread. What about those with gluten allergies? No, this is not literal bread but spiritual bread from heaven. It is a phrase that is emphasizing relying on God’s provision each day.
We are still called to this lifestyle of a follower of Jesus today. We are to be reliant on the Lord to meet our daily needs. We praise Him, we do our part in being faithful in our work, and we trust in Him to care for us. One of Jesus’ I Am statements found in John 6:35 is when Jesus claimed to be the Bread of Life. In fact, the town of Bethlehem (Where Jesus was born) literally translates to mean “House of Bread.” Jesus is the fulfillment of our greatest need for salvation and hope. He has already met every need. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Let's Pray:
Jesus,
Thank you for being the Bread of Life. Every day we need you. We need to know Your will, Your nearness, and Your love. We cannot spiritually survive without You. Thank You for saving us from the darkness and eternal death. Thank You for giving us eternal life. We never have to worry about the provision of salvation when we have accepted You as Savior. Thank You for the peace that comes with the way You care for us.
Today, I need you to help me remember you are my Provider in certain areas. Although I know that I am Yours forever, there are physical and emotional needs that I have today. Would You please meet me where I feel in need and hungry for You? I need Your care and protection. I need Your strength and endurance. Just as bread gives life, energy, and happiness, You, Jesus, do that for me more so.
Help me to hunger for Your righteousness. Give me a hunger for reading Your Word and understanding more of who You are. Forgive me for the times when I go to temporary fulfillment in worldly things and people who never fully satisfy. Remind me to keep You first in my life and depend upon You and not others. Thank You for the kindness and care that You have shown me in life.
God, I pray that You would provide for my loved ones today. Help my family and friends to fully lean on You and see You actively at work in their lives. Remind them to cling to You and trust in You. Help me to encourage them that You will care for their every need. Lord, I pray for those who are at a loss, who do not have good health, are struggling financially, or are dealing with loss. In these moments of brokenness, would you open their eyes to ways that You are providing for them even if they cannot physically see how? Give them hope that You are their Rock and firm foundation.
God, thank You for the many ways in which You have already provided for me. There have been so many times when You cared for me, and I did not even realize it or take the time to recognize You. Thank you for your continual presence, steadfast love, and guidance. Thank You for the ways You have provided people in my life in the right seasons to grow, for the ways you have provided community, and for the provision of the gift of being Your child. You have taken away my sins and made me white as snow. I am no longer a slave to my sin but a child of God, co-heir with Christ, and I am eternally free. I am grateful for Your sacrifice on the cross for me and the beautiful gift of provision. Amen.
Photo credit: ©SalemDesign/BethanyPyle
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington. Andrea Bocelli. Reba McEntire. Mark Wahlberg. Tony Dungy. Matthew McConaughey, What do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their story of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
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Originally published Tuesday, 17 October 2023.
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