We ask for it, we usually eat it, we often ignore it.

Dig into this hour-long Bible study that can be used as part of a small group or as a personal meditation.

Download a PDF of the Bible Study: Daily Bread.

“Give us this day our daily bread” is prayed by Christians from all over the world. Whether that foundational dietary carb is in the form of rice, tortillas, pretzels, baguettes, matza, or hamburger buns, we all need our bread.

Psalm 104:14 “He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to grow – bringing forth food from the earth.”

Matthew 5:45 “He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Psalm 145:15-16 “The eyes of all look to you and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”

It is a great thing to possess God’s word and a piece of bread. – German Proverb

Read Exodus 16:11-21

What did the people need?

How did they ask for help?

How did God provide for this need?

Acorns were good until bread was found. – Francis Bacon

Our “daily bread” comes in many forms. Marin Luther wrote in his explanation of the Lord’s Prayer:

Give us this day our daily bread.

What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and t he like. (Luther’s Small Catechism)

Which of the provisions listed is most important to you?

How has the Lord provided for that need?

How do you show your thankfulness for that gift?

Read Luke 17:11-19

What did the 10 men need?

How did they pray for help?

How did God provide for their need?

Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

What does Paul need?

How does he pray for help?

How does God provide for this need?

How does Paul feel about his current situation?

Which of the provisions listed in the Small Catechism are you still praying for and waiting to receive?

How do you feel about God’s answer being “not yet” or possibly a loving “no” to that prayer?

Read 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10

What does Paul ask for?

How does he pray for help?

How does God provide for this need?

How does Paul feel about his current situation?

Scripture to Consider

“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you, saying “Who is the Lord?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:8-9

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:2-4

Read John 6:22-59

How is Jesus “the bread of life?

In what ways is Jesus YOUR bread of life this week?

I’m On That Like Butter on Bread