Meeting our Needs
I always seem to want to know when it is time to eat and what we are having! Lately, I am also willing to try my hand at not just consuming but also preparing meals. Mixed rewards at the present time! Having our daily needs met is critical to our survival. Jesus acknowledges this in this petition “Give us this day our daily bread.” Luther has some very helpful things to say about this petition.
First, he says, “God gives daily bread, even without our prayers to all people, though sinful, but we ask in this prayer that he will help us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanks.” But what is meant by “daily bread?”
He continues, “Daily bread includes everything needed for this life, such as food and clothing, home and property, work and income, a devoted family, as orderly community, good government, favorable weather, peace and health, a good name, and true friends and neighbors.” Wow! Did you imagine that all these things would be ask for as we ask for daily bread? It is almost as if we need to stop after praying for “daily bread” and go through this whole list!
God gives these things to the world he has created, and if we are ones who have received them we have a two-fold responsibility: gives thanks and pass them on. God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. What confidence God places in us! He lets us partner with him to be his presence in the world in which we live.
Today, give thanks with a grateful, thankful, and generous heart.
Prayer: Feed me and fill me Lord so that I can feed and fill your people. Amen
Pastor Jerry
