You can hardly count the number of times you have said the Lord’s Prayer in your lifetime. I mean, this prayer is said at church, in homes worldwide and individually during your quiet time. But have you stopped to think about the phrase, “Give us our daily bread?” In a petrol-dependent country like Nigeria with an ever volatile inflation rate which affects the prices of goods and services in an upward trajectory, this prayer is more relevant than ever. Let us take a deep dive into what “daily bread” means as it relates to the everyday Nigeria and the impact on your wallet
Why “Daily” Bread? Not Weekly or Yearly
In the Old Testament when the Israelites, led by Moses, were on their 40-year journey, God provided them with manna on a daily basis except for the Sabbath. Likewise, Jesus, in that prayer teaches us to ask for our day-to-day provision rather than a year long supply of food and provision.
You might ask “why”? This is because daily dependence on God builds trust and humility in us. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus tells us not to be anxious about tomorrow and goes on to use birds as an analogy. Birds do not worry about what they will eat tomorrow, yet they never lack.
What “Bread” Means in the Lord’s Prayer
Let’s define what bread means in that prayer. Bread gives instant nourishment and it was part of the staple diet in Judea/Middle East during the time of Jesus. In that sense, bread literally means food, water and other basic necessities. Let’s apply that example to the Nigerian context. Bread will include fuel for your generators, airtime for calls and data for your phone, school fees for your children etc.
How the Lord’s Prayer Fights Anxiety
There are three main ways the Lord’s Prayer fights anxiety in relation to your daily needs These are listed below.
It Shifts Your Focus from “Me” to “Us”
You need to take note of the word ‘Us’ in the prayer. It does not say “give me” my daily bread. You should know that you are not alone in this. It’s a collective prayer for all in the body of Christ.
It Reminds You Who Provides
The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that it’s God the father that provides for us all. Jesus said when we pray, God hears us and God would answer our prayers as he is our father who when we ask for bread would give us stones. It is God that provides, not the government. Note at the back of your mind that He cares.
It Limits Your Worry to Today
Don’t overburden your mind with tomorrow’s issues. Focus only on today. God will definitely show up for you tomorrow.
Find out here if you can take a loan as a Nigerian Christian
A Nigerian Application – Praying Your Daily Naira
When you pray the Lord’s Prayer as a Nigerian, there are certain adjustments you need to make to make the prayer specific. You need to breakdown the ‘bread’ with e.g:
- “Lord, give me today’s fare for transport.”
- “Provide the ingredients for tonight’s dinner.”
- “Help me pay this day’s unexpected expense.”
When you pray this prayer, you turn yourself into a worshipper instead of a worrier.
The Other Side of Daily Bread – Sharing with Others
You should be mindful when you pray the Lord’s Prayer of the ‘us’ element rather than the ‘me’. You are the one praying the prayer but not for yourself. For this reason, when God gives you enough, look around you for those in need. Isaiah 58:7 reads “Share your bread with the hungry.” Like the viral videos you see online, give people randomly but in this case without the camera. Brighten up someone’s day with their daily bread. Church members also have needs so do your best not to forget them.
What Daily Bread Does Not Mean
The promise of your daily bread is not a promise of luxury goods like clothes, cars, and watches, rather it’s for your basic needs. It is also not a guarantee that you won’t pass through hard times.Apostle Paul was brutally honest in Philippians 4:12 where he said he has gone through adversity and plenty but through all of this he learnt the secret of being content. But remember that you must put in hard work in all your doings as 2 Thessalonians 3:10 explains. It is through your hard work that God blesses you.
A Short Prayer Based on the Lord’s Prayer (Nigerian Pidgin)
Fada, give me my daily bread – but no give me too much wey I go forget You, and no give me too small wey I go begin steal. Just enough for today. And when You give me, help me to share with my neighbour wey dey suffer. In Jesus name. Amen.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Lord’s Prayer is not just a recitation but a daily declaration of trust in God. It builds intimacy and complete trust in him as you surrender your will to him. When you utter the words, “give us this day our daily bread”, you are admitting you cannot provide for yourself but that God is faithful and you put your trust in him. Pray it slowly today, Let each word sink into your heart and your Naira.
Call to Action
What is your “daily bread” today? A job? Healing? Peace? Share one thing you are trusting God for today in the comments. Let’s pray for each other.
