Give us today our daily bread.
MATTHEW 6:11 (CSB)

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I have been hungry, but I have never gone hungry for long. I have never had to fear not having enough to eat. I am deeply grateful for this blessing. Our Father in heaven has heard and answered this prayer every day of my life. 

How about you?

I have gone without a meal or two here or there. Almost always, it was because I chose to do so for one reason or another. 

We are so amply blessed in this regard that we are able to contribute to making sure those who are food insecure have the resources they need. 

We have a Father in heaven who provides for us day by day. Day by day we should express our gratitude for every meal. 

A simple prayer of thanksgiving at mealtime is less of a ritual and more of a communion. It is an acknowledgment of another gift from our Provider. 

Many of life’s most important conversations take place over meals. Think of the many holy moments from the pages of the Bible that likewise took place around one meal or another. 

In a few moments, I will rise from this chair and descend those steps. Our dogs will celebrate their morning meal. I will shortly enjoy my own. My calendar indicates that I will share a meal with friends today at lunch. Tonight I will dine with my bride. We will discuss the events of the day and our plans for the days to come. 

I love mealtime. 

Our prayers at mealtime acknowledge our Father’s presence and provision. Even the simplest fare is a feast in his presence. Meals are reminders of God’s good gifts to his children. They also remind us that he provides whatever we require in fulfilling his purpose for our lives.

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I will give thanks for God’s good gifts every time I sit down to dine.

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Our Father, thank you for our daily bread. Thank you for hearing and answering this specific prayer. As you have blessed us with so much, make us a blessing to those who need what we take for granted. Amen.