give us today our daily bread

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

Have you ever wondered why Jesus says we should ask God for ‘bread’ when we pray? Me too. I’d have liked ‘our daily sports car’ or ‘our yearly holiday to the Caribbean’. Bread’s kind of a low bar, isn’t it? Shouldn’t we be, well, bolder in our prayers?

Well yes, maybe. But also, bread is important. In the Bible it represents sustenance, fellowship, and the word - in other words, all the basic things we need to keep us going. It’s fuel, friendship, and fullness, and it all comes from God our Father.

When we pray and ask for things, God wants us to be focused on what’s needed, rather than what’s wanted. And what’s needed is ultimately Him. Jesus, who was broken for us, is the bread of life, the fullness, the friendship, and the fuel - and we need Him freshly every day.

So today, when you pray, ask Him if that thing you’re asking is in line with the fullness of the word, whether it enhances your friendship with Him, and whether it’s the fuel you need today.