Live in Harmony With the Model Prayer Part II

"GIVE US TODAY OUR BREAD FOR THIS DAY"

Notice that this is a personal  request not purely for "my bread for the day but for "our" bread for the day.  Victor, a circuit overseer in Africa, explains:  "I often sincerely thank Jehovah that my wife and I don't have to be seriously concerned  about where our next meal  will come from, nor do we have to worry about who will pay the rent. Our brothers kindly look after us every day.  But I do pray that those helping us will manage to handles the economic pressures they face." 

If we have sufficient food for many days, we can think of brothers who live in poverty or who are affected by disasters.   We should not only pray for them but also act in harmony  with our prayers.   For example, we can share what we have with fellow worshippers in need. We  can also regularly contribute to the worldwide work, knowing that such funds are used wisely. -1 John 3:17. 

In referring to our daily bread, Jesus likely meant our immediate needs.  Thus, he went on to show how God clothes the wildflowers, and then he said: "Will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith?  So never be anxious and say, . . .'What are we to wear?' "  He concluded by repeating this important advice:  "Never be anxious about the next day." (Matthew 6:30-34)   This shows that rather than be materialistic, we should be content with  our basic daily needs.  Such needs may include  suitable accommodations, employment to provide for our family, and wisdom to cope with health concerns.  If we were to pray only for such physical needs, however, it would indicate an imbalance. We have spiritual needs that are of much greater importance.

Jesus' reference to our daily bread should remind us of our need for spiritual food. "Man must not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovah's mouth." (Matthew 4:4)  So we should continue to pray that Jehovah will keep on feeding us with timely spiritual food.

Next time: Live in Harmony With the Model Prayer Part II - "FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS"

From the Watchtower magazine