Theology Thursday
Q. 104. What do we pray for in the fourth petition?
A. In the fourth petition, which is, Give us this day our daily bread, we pray that of God’s free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and enjoy his blessing with them.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Do you love food? I think most people do. It really is an amazing thing to think about, particularly in how God provides.
Let’s start at the most basic level. We live in a world where food can grow abundantly and in great variety. Consider how soil works, nutrients and microbes that support the growth of edible plants. Consider edible animals that eat less edible plants on our behalf. Think of the rains and the systems that allow for the growing of food in abundance. Amazing really.
Then consider the technologies of humanity that allow for exponential growth of food. From the humble plough (or plow0 to motorised equipment. One of the greatest inventions you’ve never heard of is the Haber-Bosch process of turning nitrogen into fertiliser in a relatively cheap/easy way which allows for incredible quantities of food to be grown.
We often focus on prayers that haven’t been answered. But in this petition, give us today our daily bread, our prayers are answered daily from paddock to plate. Remarkable really. Remarkable that most of us have never gone a day without food.
But of course this petition isn’t just about food. It’s about the things we need in life. I don’t think it’s a stretch to include relationships, housing, rest and so on.
Do you ask God for these things? One of the things I’ve prayed for in the past is that God would bring me a good friend who encourages me.
But what do we do when God doesn’t provide for all our needs? Well, let’s always remember that He has, just not right now. In Christ and in the new creation, we will have everything we need. And this hope is actually able to fuel us even when we don’t have everything else we need here on earth.
For Today:
Pray:
Passages: Proverbs 30:8-9; Matthew 6:31-34; Philippians 4:11; 1 Timothy 6:6-8
A. In the fourth petition, which is, Give us this day our daily bread, we pray that of God’s free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and enjoy his blessing with them.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Do you love food? I think most people do. It really is an amazing thing to think about, particularly in how God provides.
Let’s start at the most basic level. We live in a world where food can grow abundantly and in great variety. Consider how soil works, nutrients and microbes that support the growth of edible plants. Consider edible animals that eat less edible plants on our behalf. Think of the rains and the systems that allow for the growing of food in abundance. Amazing really.
Then consider the technologies of humanity that allow for exponential growth of food. From the humble plough (or plow0 to motorised equipment. One of the greatest inventions you’ve never heard of is the Haber-Bosch process of turning nitrogen into fertiliser in a relatively cheap/easy way which allows for incredible quantities of food to be grown.
We often focus on prayers that haven’t been answered. But in this petition, give us today our daily bread, our prayers are answered daily from paddock to plate. Remarkable really. Remarkable that most of us have never gone a day without food.
But of course this petition isn’t just about food. It’s about the things we need in life. I don’t think it’s a stretch to include relationships, housing, rest and so on.
Do you ask God for these things? One of the things I’ve prayed for in the past is that God would bring me a good friend who encourages me.
But what do we do when God doesn’t provide for all our needs? Well, let’s always remember that He has, just not right now. In Christ and in the new creation, we will have everything we need. And this hope is actually able to fuel us even when we don’t have everything else we need here on earth.
For Today:
- Do you see God’s grace in the food you eat?
- Do you pray for God’s physical provision?
- Do you give thanks when you receive it?
Pray:
- Praise the Father for His grace and sovereignty in providing for our needs.
- Give thanks for Jesus Christ who feeds us spiritual bread that nourishes our soul.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others see His grace to us.
Passages: Proverbs 30:8-9; Matthew 6:31-34; Philippians 4:11; 1 Timothy 6:6-8
Posted in Theology Thursday
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