Catechisma

Q104. What do we pray for in the fourth request?

In the fourth request—"Give us today our daily bread"—we pray that God would freely give us enough of the good things we need for this life and that we would enjoy his blessing with them.

Scripture Proofs — King James Version

1

Proverbs 30:8–9

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

2

Genesis 28:20

And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

1 Timothy 4:4–5

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Parent Guide

Discuss this question together

Discussion Questions

  1. 1

    What are we praying for when we say "Give us today our daily bread"?

  2. 2

    Why does Jesus teach us to ask for "daily" bread instead of bread for the whole year?

  3. 3

    What are some of the "good things" God provides for you every day?

Illustration

Every morning, your cereal, toast, or oatmeal is on the table because someone provided it. You did not grow the wheat, grind the flour, or earn the money. God works through many hands to put food in front of you each day. This prayer reminds us that every bite comes from him.

Application

Because God provides your daily bread, thank him for your meals this week. Before you eat, say a specific thank-you instead of a routine prayer. Name the actual food on your plate and the people who helped get it there. Let your gratitude be concrete, not just a habit.