Provisions

Scripture:
Matthew 6:7-15 (NIV)

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.’

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Devotional:

“Give us today our daily bread…”  What is our daily bread?  Is it just a loaf of bread?  What does Jesus mean when he said this to the disciples?  Let me start with the forty years Moses and the Israelites wandered through the wilderness.  Everyday God provided for them everything that they needed.  Exodus 16:4 (NIV); “Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.”  In the morning manna covered the ground.  In the evening quail covered their camp.  In this God provided for them what they needed. 

When you pray are you praying for your desires?  Are your prayers poured out in greed?  Do you simply want God to provide just the basics or your actual needs?  There is nothing wrong with wanting more, or having wealth.  The important thing to remember is what is important.  Where is your focus?  God tested the Israelites by how much they took.  They were to trust in Him and only take what is needed for that day.  In turn God provided every day.  Later after they took the Promised Land God gave them more.  They were blessed with more than just a daily need.  

God promises to provide for our needs.  Philippians 4:19 (NIV); “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”  We can rest assured that God will provide for our needs.  It is also OK for us to ask for God’s provisions.  After all Jesus is our teacher and he said “Give us this day our daily bread.”  In other words “Give us today what we need to get through the day…”