"Give us today our daily bread."
Last Wednesday evening Austin McDowell, a young adult in our congregation, gave a talk on the Lord's Prayer at our evening Lenten service. He mentioned that with this petition, he almost felt guilty when he said it. He has never lacked daily bread in any significant way. Like many of us, he has always had enough food, water, clothing, shelter, etc. Yet we are keenly aware that not everyone is so fortunate. But this petition is not so much about praying for our own personal daily bread. When we pray "Give us..." we are praying collectively for all God's children, wherever they may be. It is a prayer that all may have enough for the basic necessities of life. Austin also made the point that this prayer is a reminder to those who do have enough, to share our abundance with those that do not. This is what the author of today's devotion says as well. When we share with others, we show our gratitude to God and make possible for others to receive "daily bread" as well. I liked today's simple, devotional prayer. "Lord, grant me a hunger for just sharing that all may be filled." Amen
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