When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He included the simple yet powerful request: “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). At first, it may sound like an ordinary plea for food, but in truth it carries a much deeper meaning. It reminds us of our daily dependence on God, both for physical needs and for spiritual strength.

From the beginning, God has shown Himself to be a faithful provider. In the wilderness, when the Israelites had no food, He sent manna from heaven each morning. Scripture says: “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’” (Exodus 16:4). They were not allowed to store it up, except before the Sabbath, which meant they had to trust Him daily. This was a lesson of faith, teaching them that their survival depended not on their own efforts but on God’s provision.

In our lives today, it is easy to think that our jobs, businesses or hard work are what sustain us. Yet the Bible reminds us that everything belongs to God: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Each meal on our table is a gift from His hands. Every breath, every sip of water, every blessing we enjoy is proof that God continues to provide our daily bread.

But Jesus also revealed a greater meaning to this prayer. He declared: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). Just as bread nourishes the body, Christ nourishes the soul. We may fill our stomachs with food, but only Jesus can satisfy the hunger of our hearts. To live without Him is spiritual starvation, but to feed on His Word and presence is to have life in abundance.

When Jesus Himself was tempted in the wilderness, He pointed to the importance of God’s Word, saying: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). This teaches us that prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with God are as necessary for the soul as food is for the body. Skipping them leaves us weak, but drawing near to God renews our strength and fills us with peace.

The prayer for daily bread also reminds us not to be consumed with anxiety about the future. Jesus said: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). God calls us to trust Him one day at a time. He does not promise us the whole year’s provision in one moment, but He assures us of daily grace, daily strength and daily care.

Therefore, each morning we can come before Him with gratitude, knowing that He is our Father who provides. The Apostle Paul affirms this when he writes: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Our part is to trust Him, to seek Him daily and to feed on His Word.