Today’s Key Scripture

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

— Matthew 6:11

The Lord taught us to pray first by coming to our heavenly Father in adoration and humility; then He commanded us to ask for the things we need for daily living.

“Daily bread” speaks of total dependence upon the Lord for daily nourishment and sustenance—first, as we receive His Word to nourish our spirits, and then for all our physical needs.

The Word of God teaches us that the Lord knows our needs intimately and knows us better than we know ourselves. Yet we receive nothing until we ask, as Scripture declares, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2).

It is imperative that we ask for the things we need, and we must ask in faith in order to receive: “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15).

By asking specifically and in faith, we acknowledge our dependence upon the Lord continually.

It is His will to answer your prayers, but first you must ask!

 

A Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for not only the higher and deeper things but also the practical guidelines in living every day in You. Help me to see that so many times I don’t have what I need because I simply don’t ask. I’m grateful for a Father who is concerned that I have my needs met. Yet You desire that I come to You and ask in faith, believing that I will receive. And I’m grateful that whether You answer my requests with yes, no, or not yet, help me remember that You always know best. As I continually submit my will to Yours, I know I will be joyful in whatever You give me. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.