Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11: "Give us this day our daily bread."
In this line of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches followers to recognize dependence on God for daily sustenance. “Daily bread” symbolizes not only physical food but the whole provision required for life—work, energy, shelter, health, and everyday necessities. The phrase reflects a First-Century Jewish mindset steeped in gratitude for God’s daily mercy. Israel’s wilderness journey (Exodus 16) famously taught reliance on God for provision each day: manna from heaven, enough for the day, with a Sabbath rest pattern that kept trust in God’s timing. By using “our” bread, the petition binds the community together—human beings sharing a common need and a common dependence on a generous, orderly God. It counters anxiety, inviting believers to entrust daily needs to Father who cares for creation. The request is not for extravagant abundance but for ordinary sustenance consistent with a life of obedient relationship to God.
This line foregrounds God as provider and sustainer, anchoring trust in God’s faithful care rather than self-sufficiency. It emphasizes daily dependence, not entitlement; faith grows through repeated acts of reliance. The phrase also guards against greed and worry by reframing provision as a gift “for today.” In New Testament theology, daily bread becomes a pattern for living within God’s kingdom—God supplies what is necessary for the day while inviting us to steward resources responsibly, serve others, and resist hoarding. It also aligns with Jesus’ message that life consists not in abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15) but in meaningful relationship with God and neighbor. The petition foreshadows the eschatological fullness of God’s kingdom in which every need is met within divine generosity.
Practical steps:
- Start days with gratitude and a brief inventory of real needs (food, housing, work, security, health). Confidence grows as you name daily provisions you rely on.
- Practice simple living: choose one area this week to reduce consumption (snack less, buy only necessities) to reflect dependence on God rather than on abundance.
- Cultivate trust through routine prayer and Bible reading, especially when finances or schedules feel tight.
- Share “daily bread” with others: help a neighbor, volunteer at a food pantry, or support overseas relief. Provision, when shared, multiplies joy.
- Pray for contentment: thank God for today’s provision, and avoid both anxious fretting and hoarding.
Real-life example: a family facing job uncertainty prays for daily needs, writes a brief budget each morning, and intentionally seeks ways to cut unnecessary expenses while supporting a friend who is suddenly unemployed.
Cross-References: Deuteronomy 8:3; Exodus 16:4-5; Luke 11:3; Philippians 4:11-13; Psalm 37:25