Every word of this petition had a deeper connotation.

We depend on God for our daily sustenance. It is not through our mental ability or physical agility that we get what we get every day. It is through His grace that we enjoy everything in this world. If it is attained through deceitful measures and by compromising attitudes , it does not come from God. We need to understand that God is the source of all that we possess and experience.

It is not a selfish request. It is not “me”and ‘my’ but ‘us’ and ‘our’. What God provides, is not to be selfishly enjoyed and carefully hoarded for our future generation alone. The talents ,time and riches which we enjoy in this world are to be shared with all. The posts and positions held, are not to promote an individual’s security or to dole out favour to the undeserved. This word insists on accountability.

What we ask for is just for a day. There is no suggestion of hoarding. Careful handling of finance in one’s life is not condemned but excessive selfish urge to build one’s empire unmindful of others is against God’s wish. The parable of the rich fool is a warning. (Luke12) He did not understand that his prosperity was a gift from God. He forgot that he was a steward and thought that he owned it all. “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ (v.20)

We ask for bread. It is not a luxurious five star banquet. A simple food that sustains one’s physical well being is desirable. Bread stands for the word of God-the heavenly manna. Interpreted on the spiritual level, we need spiritual food to help us face the challenges of everyday. Word of God, meditation and prayer are the manna that nourish us daily. The body does not benefit if it is not fed daily. Feasting on one day and total fasting for several days impoverish the body. Similarly, our spiritual well being is linked with our spiritual manna taken everyday.

Dr. (Mrs.) Edriana Jeyasingh