January Series Study Guide - Day 13
Read Matthew 6:9-15
Yesterday we learned that the power of this prayer pattern is found in the pronouns. Before we ever get to US we start with YOUR. This is not a suggestion, but the power of this progression is what aligns our praying rightly and frames our prayers in the right context. With our hearts postured in this context we are ready to say, “Give us today our daily bread.” This is important! Jesus is not teaching that once you get praise out of the way now it is time to get down to the asking, but all of you’re asking flows from your praise and is instructed by your praise! Petition needs to be flavored by praise.
How does this petition revolutionize prayer? First, it revolutionizes prayer because it acknowledges that everything we have comes from our Father. These words project a dependence on our Father to provide for us, and when we pray this it is a constant reminder that everything we have comes from His hand. We bring nothing to the table so to speak. Second, this petition will revolutionize prayer because it believes that our Father loves us and wants to give us what we need! It does not just believe that He is passionate about me and has the power to do what I need, but also that He has the perspective to do what I would have asked if I knew what He knows. Worry believes that I know what He needs to know but doesn’t know yet. Third, this petition will revolutionize prayer because it acknowledges that there are others around the table. Fascinating that Jesus does not say, “Give me” but “Give us”. When we ask our Father to pass the bread, we are sitting around a big table with lots of people! The bread He passes to us may be the provision for the brother or sister next to me. This kind of praying realizes that He gives me what I have not to hoard but to share! Finally, praying this way will revolutionize prayer because it is ready to use whatever He gives us to accomplish His will. Remember the pattern frames the petition so that it flows from the request to participate in His kingdom and His will. When we pray this way, we are saying God give me what I need to accomplish your will.
Q: How have you thought of the phrase “Give us today our daily bread” in the past?
Q: What do you struggle with more, thanking God for what He gives you, trusting Him for what you need from Him, or sharing what He decides to give you? Why? What steps can you take in this area?
Q: What causes you to worry? How do you think prayer can erase worry?
Q: How does this statement make you feel? “God will give you what you asked for or what you would have asked for if you knew what He knows.”