The Bible teaches that we should pray for our daily bread, which signifies all necessary provisions for life, recognizing that these gifts come from God.
In the Bible, Jesus teaches us to pray, 'Give us this day our daily bread' (Matthew 6:11). This petition signifies our dependence on God for all necessities of life, acknowledging that everything we receive is ultimately from His hand. Manton elaborates that while the Lord's Prayer includes requests for spiritual matters, seeking sustenance comes after prioritizing God's glory and kingdom. The request for daily bread reminds us that we are stewards of earthly provisions, requesting sustenance in humility, recognizing that all we possess is a result of God’s grace and providence. Thus, daily bread symbolizes both physical nourishment and the broader providential care we receive from God.
Scripture References:
Matthew 6:11, Psalm 24:1, 1 Timothy 4:4-5, John 6:32-35, John 6:35, James 1:17
Commentary