You know the saying, “You don’t ask, you don’t get?” God makes it clear in His Word that He wants us to ask Him for the things we need. When Jesus told His followers how they should pray, He included a request for “daily bread.” In other words, God wants us to come to Him for the daily necessities of life.

I think it is very easy for us to forget where our resources come from. Most of us are very independent when it comes to making a living. We work to earn an income so we can buy food, clothes, and a roof over our head. We may work long hours away to provide for our families. Sometimes we get so focused on our own efforts that we overlook the reality that God gives it all.

Jesus’ earthly brother James, wrote in his letter, “You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2) Could our lives be less hectic and our emotions be more balanced if we asked God every day to provide what we needed? The children of Israel were commanded to only gather manna (their bread) for the day. When they tried to store it up, it rotted.

Relying on God takes practice. Seeking Him daily through prayer and asking for what we need for the day means we must trust Him to provide. As we learn to trust in His daily provision, the anxieties of our own efforts are lessened.

Lord, give me this day what I need to serve and work. I trust you to do what you have said you will do and give me what I need today. Amen.

Go Deeper — Where are you experiencing anxiety over your needs? Is there stress in your life due to the demands of making a living for you and your family? Try praying daily for God to provide for you and ask Him to bring peace of mind as you lay down your needs before Him. Maybe He would like to show you what your needs are and what are really only wants.

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Tags: The Lord's Prayer Matt 6
Photo Credit: Kate Remmer