Neglecting The Lord’s Prayer
I recently realized that I had a big-time deficiency in my prayer life. Several months ago we went through a tight time financially, when the budget was stretched to the breaking point and I was anxious that we weren’t going to be able to pay all the bills. During that time Jen and I prayed fervently that God would provide for us. We prayed that God would help us pay our telephone bill, and get tires on the car, and pay the rent on time. As a relatively young couple, this was really the first time either of us had experienced much financial difficulty.In his kindness, God met our every need. He met our needs in ordinary ways, like paychecks and Christmas money, and extraordinary ways, like gifts from those who love us. As I was reflecting back on this time, I came to a rather sobering realization: I rarely ask God to give me my daily bread. In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus says:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Growing up in America, the country of the Whopper and the 64 oz Slurpee, I’ve always had plenty of food on the table. I’ve always operated under the assumption that when I open the cupboard, my bagels will be waiting, and when I open the fridge, my chocolate milk will be smiling at me. I never went hungry, never fell asleep feeling like my stomach was trying to eat my shirt. I’ve always been well provided for, and I’ve always assumed it would continue that way. Fat and happy - that’s my motto.
The result? I rarely, if ever, asked God to provide my daily bread. I never confessed my dependence on God for his daily provision. Instead, I went about life, operating as if I was Mr. Wal-Mart, the provider of all things. In my sinful arrogance, I failed to confess my dependence on God. But in his kindness, God reminded me of my need for him by putting the money squeeze on me.
Now things are a bit different. Before dinner each night, I give thanks to God for the wonderful meal I’m about to eat, and I confess my need for his provision. I want to build in the habit of asking for my daily bread at each meal time. Before I stuff my face, I want to acknowledge my need for God.
What about you? Do you neglect this part of the Lord’s prayer? Do you go about your days, assuming that you’ll have food on your table? Let’s honor God by asking him for our daily bread.
Posted in Prayer
March 10th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Thanks for posting this!
I guess most of us living in western culture can place your words upon ourselves.We feel that we can supply all our needs and neglect to realize that everything, even Mcdonalds, flow from the grace of God and we are reliant upon Him for everything.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Boaly,
Right on. In the west everything is spoon fed to us, and we feel little need for God. I need to grow in this!
March 10th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Stephen,
thanks for the reminder. its amazing how dependent we are on God and how easily we forget this.
Over the past few weeks, I have been having migraines and have been very aware of my limitations and neediness. thanks for the reminder that this is a good place and that we should always be confessing our dependence on His strength. Because whether we know it or not, we’re weak. But thankfully, He is so much stronger!
March 10th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Emily,
It’s true, we quickly forget how God provides for us. Sometimes God changes our circumstances to help us remember.
I hope you feel better!
March 10th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Thanks for responding to the Lord’s prompting, and leading our family in praying that He would continue to provide our daily needs. I have the best husband in the universe!
March 10th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Seven weeks ago I broke my collarbone and was unable to work for a few weeks. I’m in sales, and on a comission only basis. After I had been in the doldrums for a few days, I realized that God was my provider, not my customers. I always gave lip service to this truth, but it wasn’t until I couldn’t work that I had to trust Him fully. And , like you, I received His provision in ordinary and extraordinary ways. I can say this: He is Faithful!
March 10th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Jen - You make me blush online…
Matt - Funny how our theology often doesn’t become real until we’re put in times of trial. God is kind isn’t he?
March 11th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
What a great reminder! My husband and I have worked hard for years (me as a homeschool mom the last 12 years), lived within our means, and made wise financial decisions (most of the time). My husband has fixed our cars, built our house, etc. and it is easy to think that’s why we’re as blessed financially as we are today. We know that it all (good job, good health to be able to work, talents and abilities, and wisdom for good decisions) comes from God, but it’s easy to forget that in the day-to-day and truly remember that all good gifts come from God. He is truly a gracious and generous God and He has blessed us immensely.
March 11th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Robin,
I agree, it’s so easy to forget where all our blessings come from. I find it helpful to remind myself of the millions of other people in the world who don’t have what I have - which then motivates me to be grateful to God.