Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

What is your favorite Bible passage? When I ask that question, the top three replies are Psalm 23, John 3:16, and Matthew 28:19. I have never, ever, heard anyone tell me their favorite is the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew chapter six. I think we often pray the Lord’s Prayer without thinking about the words we pray.

What is your favorite Christian Holy day? The top two replies are Christmas and Easter when I ask that question. I have never heard anyone tell me their favorite day is Ash Wednesday. Many people skip right over Ash Wednesday, which is when we remember Jesus’ journey to the cross. Like Christians before us, we are called to fast, pray, and remember the life and death of Jesus.

Lent is a time when we focus on our relationship with God and commit to deepening our faith.

Many people use Lenten fasting as a New Year’s resolution. They want to change an unhealthy behavior, break a bad habit, or atone for a past sin. So they put all their energy into changing how they act, breaking the bad habit, or making up for a past failure. Yet, forty days later, their relationship with God is just the same as when they began and their faith is no stronger.

During this season of Lent, I would like to challenge us to focus on our relationship with God and commit to deepening our faith. Let us be careful not to make the Lenten journey complicated. Remember, our goal is to develop our relationship and deepen our faith in God.

Here are a few suggestions for our Lenten Journey.

First, focus on Matthew 6 verse 11 for the next 40 days. Then, repeat “Give us this day our daily bread” all day long.

Second, think about what you are saying. When we pray “give,” aren’t we trusting God to give us what we need? Take time to see and give thanks for all God has shared with you.

Third, when you pray “us” and “our,” remember we pray for everyone, not just “me.” Take what you need and nothing more. When you go to the store, only buy what you need. Think about buying for a family in need or donating to help the other “ours,” who have nothing to eat. How can you help give others the daily bread they need?

Fourth, when you pray for “bread,” remember it is not just the food on the table. God not only gives us sustenance for our bodies, God gives us spiritual nourishment for our souls. So, every day, fill your minds with the Word of God, fill your hearts with the joy of those you meet, fill your spirit with the wonders of God’s creation.

This Lenten season may we develop our relationship and deepen our faith in God.