When we pray for our daily bread, we guard our hearts against greed and discontent (1 Timothy 6:8–9). God has not guaranteed any of us a tomorrow (James 4:13–14). How much of our anxiety would disappear if we refused to dwell in the past or worry about the future (Philippians 3:13–14 Matthew 6:34)? By teaching us to ask for our daily bread, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment. When we pray for our daily bread, we are focused on the present. Every good and perfect gift is given to us by our merciful Heavenly Father (James 1:17). The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the bread we eat are all dependent on the continuous graciousness of God. Jesus upholds the entire universe in which we exist (Hebrews 1:3 Colossians 1:16–17). In Him, we live and breathe and have our being (Acts 17:28). Without God and His gifts, we could not survive a single day. The concept of "daily bread" also harkens back to God's daily provision of manna for the Israelites (Exodus 16:4–12 Deuteronomy 8:3 John 6:31). God cares for-and provides for-the entirety of our being, not just the welfare of our physical bodies. Daily bread includes not only our physical needs, but our spiritual, relational, and emotional needs as well. When we pray for our daily bread, we acknowledge that everything we need to live this day is a gift from God (Matthew 5:45 Acts 14:17). The phrase is from the "Lord's Prayer" (Matthew 6:9–13 Luke 11:2-4). To pray for our daily bread most simply means to ask God to provide for our daily food and other necessities. What is the meaning of praying for our daily bread?
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