Matthew 6:9-13, Verse 11
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today we continue our deep dive into the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray. Read Matthew 6:9-13 imagining you are joining your voice in prayer with the myriad of Jesus followers around the world who are praying this prayer today.
Now focus in on this part of Jesus’ prayer: “Give us today the food we need…”
After remembering who God is as revealed by God’s holy name, and then praying for God’s kingdom and will to be made manifest in the world, we turn to our personal needs recognizing that everything we have, including the food that sustains our bodies, is a gift from God.
Stop to thank God for the most basic things you have consumed or will consume today – water, coffee, whatever you have already eaten, etc. How might it change your perspective to practice gratitude for these basic things on a regular basis? Talk to Jesus about this.
Pray this part of the Lord’s Prayer again: “Give us today the food we need…”
Note that Jesus doesn’t instruct the disciples to ask for their individual needs but rather for the needs of the whole community: “Give us…” In God’s Kingdom there is enough for everyone because all share in the good gifts of God and no one is greedy or selfish. This is the way of shalom.
If God has supplied more than you need to sustain yourself and your family today, what might you do to be part of the answer to this prayer? Share your thoughts with Jesus.
Think now of those who are hungry and have no means of obtaining the food they need and pray this part of Jesus’ prayer again including those people in your request: “Give us today the food we need…”
As you end this time of mediation, get quiet for a moment and listen to Jesus. If you sense him inviting you to take action in some way, determine what your first step will be and do that before the end of the day.
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
