One
of the most amazing things about prayer is that the Creator of the
universe wants us to ask him to do things for us. We would never
think of asking a prime minister or president to do a favor for us.
Yet God not only lets us do that; he also encourages and even
commands that we do it.
Jesus
taught us to pray, “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew
6:11). That little word “give” seems out of place in the Lord’s
Prayer, doesn’t it? After all, who are we to tell God what to do?
So far, the Lord’s Prayer has focused entirely on God. We’ve
prayed about honoring the Father’s name and seeking his kingdom and
will. How is it that we can now instruct God to pay attention to us?
The
answer to this question is in the amazing grace and humility that
dwell in God’s heart. God wants to have a close relationship with
us. He wants to take care of our daily needs, and he wants us to know
that we can approach him with confidence.
God
wants us to know that because we rely on him for everything, and
because he promises to care for us, we can ask him for all that we
need—and that can range from things like amazing miracles to
ordinary food like daily bread.
The
King of heaven has turned his heart of love toward you. Looking at
Jesus’ example and knowing the promises God has made, what will you
ask him for today?