M-G: 4.1.11 // A Day by Day Thing, Matthew 6:11

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

 Matthew recorded “give us this day”; Luke wrote “give us day by day” (Lk 11:3). What strikes this fourth petition as odd on the one hand and perfect sense on the other is this. Jesus is instructing us to ask the Father, who is the Almighty, to provide for our physical needs (bread) for only one day at a time, not for a week, not for a month, for a year, or for a lifetime! This is to be a day-by-day thing for all of life.

Recognition of His holiness, a desire to welcome His rule, and submission to His authority immediately and completely make perfect sense that there should also be a recognition of our daily dependence on the Lord as our source of sustenance. This is not for God’s benefit for He is all-powerful; it is for ours.

Jesus said, Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Mt 6:34b). When we go beyond today, we drag the worry of those days (not planning) into the present. We get so bogged down with the mundane that it prevents us from seeking first the kingdom of God. Physical values become more important than spiritual values. Even the things for today are to take a backseat to the first three petitions of this pattern of prayer.  Worry simply doubts; God will provide. Seeking is another way of saying He will. 

“So do not start worrying: ‘Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?'  (These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things.  Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things” (Mt 6:31-33, TEV). God first, things last is the key. <><