"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11
Daily nutrition is so necessary for our athlete children. It renews and revitalizes their bodies readying them for the tough work ahead. Sportmoms are a God-given part of this process. We teach them to eat right, to get enough exercise and to allow sufficient time for sleep. These are basic elements of preparation and maintenance for all aspiring athletes. The frames that God gave them are made strong and productive as they submit themselves to the regiments of taking into their bodies and minds life-giving sustenance.
Today's focus on the power-producing Lord's Prayer asks for this same life-giving renewal. As we open ourselves to the great "supplier" we will find ourselves both physically and spiritually healthy. Let's take a closer look:
"GIVE US ". . . The ask! Right here in Jesus's own words He tells us to ask. John also records these words of Jesus . . .
" . . .ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24b NIV
When we go to our Heavenly Father for the ask, we show our constant dependence upon His Divine Providence. We beg of God to give it to us; not sell to us, nor lend to us ... but give to us.
"THIS DAY" . . . It's not complaining about what we didn't get yesterday or worrying about what we might need tomorrow but rather for what is needed today. This is the "gimmee enough" ask - only enough for this day. And even then sometimes I forget that He gave it! This prayer, prayed before a daunting military battle, pretty much says what my "this day" often looks like . . .
"Lord, you know how busy I must be this day. If I forget you, do not you forget me." Jacob Astley (a Royalist commander in the English Civil War who prayed this prayer before Battle of Edgehill in 1642)
Our God does not forget what you need this day.
"OUR" . . . what we need - not what another might have but what will nourish and satisfy our own unique soul and body. Some may even go after the food of another person before depending on God for complete supply - no place for copy-cat Christians.
"Stolen food may taste sweet at first, but later it will feel like a mouth full of gravel." Proverbs 20:17 NCV
"DAILY BREAD" . . . So what should we ask for? Our daily candy? No . . . our daily Bread. Bread is one of the oldest prepared food known and the base of our physical need. It may be Chibata, Tortilla, or fine Artisan Bread - whatever the form it is fresh-from-the-oven bread that is the staple of life . . . much needed to renew our bodies. Even the wafting aroma of wholesome bread baking is pleasant to senses drawing us to come take a bite as soon as it is out of the oven. God desires to revitalize our bodies with good food.
As our constant source of energy, our Heavenly Father also provides our soul food. As my niece, and fellow writer expressed, "He calls his Word 'Daily Bread' because he knows that our souls, like our tummies, get hungry every single day."
God our Provider delights in filling our plates with food and our souls with all of Himself. Now it is up to us . . . will we eat? It is as we consume the bread of the earth and take in the Bread of Life (Jesus) that we are revitalized in our bodies and renewed in our spirits.
"Taste and see that the LORD is good..." Psalm 34:8 NIV
Blessings . . . as you taste the Bread of Life!
See THE INTERRUPTED PRAYER at my BEHIND THE BENCH BLOG - click on tab at top of this page.
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