40 DAYS OF PRAYER: DAY 17
Gods Provision
Matthew 6:11
‘Give us this day our daily bread.
Bread: More than just food that we require on a daily basis, but Gods divine provision for ALL, we need as believers. As we are surrendered or yielded to God on a daily basis, He provides the very sustenance that we need. As we pray for our daily bread, we are asking that God provide for all of our NEEDS for the day, mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, material and physical. This prayer can and should include, Family, friends, ministries, our community, leaders both locally, nationally and globally, even praying for our personal needs. God is the ultimate provider, He provides ALL that His children need. We can have great confidence in that. Again, proper perspective as we pray, if we are praying daily for what we need for the day, we are not assuming or trying to take God for granted. We realize and acknowledge that He provides for us according to His mercy. Keep proper perspective EVERY time you go to the Father in prayer. It really is ALL about Him and His will.
Matthew 6:33-34
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
John 6:35
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.
James 1:17
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
I don’t know about you, but as a human, I want everything lined up for me. Provision well in advance of what is needed. Knowing that “I” have it covered. Even when I know better. When we pray “this day” it truly is a sign of us recognizing that we rely on God a day at a time. We are so blessed in our nation, we really are wealthy Christians. None of us will go hungry, if we make some sort of effort. Even as you read this today, you can go to the kitchen and get something to eat, or a snack at the office… daily bread is at our fingertips. This makes it easy for us to forget that everything comes from God, the time we have, the talents, resources, opportunities from God, and our next meal.
If we can make it a habit to ask God for our daily needs, even though there is food in our pantry or fridge, it helps us establish a relationship of reliance on Him, the very one who gives us everything. God wants to hear from us at all times, not just in times of want or need, good times and bad. Part of that provision includes the very basic of needs, the discipline of our kids, conversations with our spouse, spiritual growth, conflict resolution, restored relationships with family or friends, leading a meeting in the office and even engaging socially at a movie. There is nothing too big or small to take to the Lord.
So, what if we ask for the wrong things, where they may not be sinful or against God, but just not where God wants us to focus? We serve an amazing God, who covers us with His umbrella of grace. God will always give what is best for us, not necessarily what we want. What God gives us will be what he sees that we need, and through all that He gives us He will transform us into all He wants us to be, to be more like Him.
Give us this day our daily bread… what is it that you need? Ask Him.
Prayed for you all this morning!
Much love and blessings,
Pastor Scott