Teach Us to Pray | Daily Bread | Matthew 6:11 | Coleton Segars

Give Us Today Our Daily Bread (Matthew 6:9-11)

The Big Idea: Jesus teaches that God isn't just interested in world-changing events; He desires an intimate relationship close enough to walk with you through ordinary, everyday moments.

1. What Is Jesus Telling Us to Pray For?

Every Single Daily Need We Have "Daily bread" represents everything necessary for life—physical, emotional, financial, relational, and practical needs.

“When we pray for bread we are praying at the same time for ‘everything necessary for the preservation of this life, like food, a healthy body, good weather, house, home...’” — Frederick Dale Bruner (quoting Martin Luther)

The Small Things Matter to God We often assume God is too busy for trivial things (traffic, lost keys, stressful meetings). But Jesus transfigured everyday life by inviting us to pray for the small stuff. God welcomes our thousands of trivial matters because He cares about us.

2. What Is Jesus Not Telling Us to Pray For?

Our Greeds Rather Than Our Needs Jesus teaches us to pray for bread, not cake. He promises to meet our needs, not fund our greed, comparison, or poor stewardship.

“The prayer is for our needs, not our greeds.” — D.A. Carson

“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” — James 4:2-3

God’s ultimate goal is not merely to make us comfortable, but to make us holy.

3. Six Lessons About Prayer

1. Prayer obtains things for yourself: Asking God for help isn't selfish; it is obedience.

2. Asking is necessary: Not because God is unaware, but because asking develops faith, expresses dependence, and invites God into our lives (James 4:2).

3. God is committed to giving: Jesus doesn't say "if it's not too much trouble." He says, "Give us." We approach a loving Father with audacious confidence, not a reluctant stranger.

4. Pray vaguely or specifically: God doesn't require perfect wording, but specific prayers help us notice specific answers and see His faithfulness.

5. Pray for yourself and others: "Give us" reminds us to carry the community's needs before God.

6. Trust God in unanswered prayer: If God withholds something, we trust His wisdom. As Psalm 23:1 says, "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."

4. Practical Ways to Pray for Daily Bread

• Pray the words Jesus gave us: Say "Give us today our daily bread" to place your entire day in His hands.

• Set today's worries before God: Turn daily anxieties (bills, deadlines, appointments) into daily prayers.

• Set today's calendar before God: Invite God into every meeting, conversation, and task before rushing in.

• Be the provision for others: Ask, "God, who needs daily bread from me today?" God often answers someone else's prayer through your ordinary kindness.

Discipleship Group Questions

1. What "small" concerns do you hesitate to pray about, and why?

2. How does viewing God as a loving Father change how you approach daily needs?

3. Where does the distinction between "need" and "greed" become difficult in everyday life?

4. Which of the six lessons about prayer challenged or encouraged you the most?

5. Who in your life needs "daily bread" right now, and how can you help provide it this week?