The Small Catechism – part 172
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 John 5:12
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Fourth Petition
Give us this day our daily bread.
What does this mean?
God indeed gives daily bread to all, even unbelievers, without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that he would help us to recognize this so that we would receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
What is meant by daily bread?
Daily bread includes everything required to meet our earthly needs, such as food, drink, clothing, home, property, employment, necessities; devout parents, children, and communities; honest and faithful authorities, good government, seasonable weather, peace, health, an orderly society, a good reputation, true friends and neighbors, and the like.
Pulling It Together: When we pray for our daily bread, we are only asking for what God has already promised. We confess this in the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed. By acknowledging that God is our creator, we are affirming that he provides for all the needs of our lives. When we ask for our daily bread, we are asking for all our needs. More than that, this petition is a daily reminder to thank the Father for everything, for life itself, and for the eternal life we have through his Son.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for being a loving and caring Father. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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