Question 235: What does “give us today our daily bread” mean?

Answer:

“Give us today our daily bread” means I ask God to provide for my daily physical and spiritual needs. I depend on Him for food, shelter, health, work, and strength, and I acknowledge that every good gift comes from His hand. This petition teaches me to live in humble trust, to be content with what is sufficient for today, and to remember those in need. (Matthew 6:11, Proverbs 30:8–9, James 1:17, Philippians 4:19)

Full Scripture References

“Give us this day our daily bread.” — Matthew 6:11 (BSB)

“Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion. Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God.” — Proverbs 30:8–9 (BSB)

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.” — James 1:17 (BSB)

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

To pray “Give us today our daily bread” is to acknowledge that all I have comes from God. I depend on Him for the simplest needs of life: food, water, shelter, health, and work. I ask for what is sufficient—not excess, not luxury, but enough. This prayer cultivates gratitude, trust, and contentment.

But this petition goes beyond physical provision. “Daily bread” includes the spiritual nourishment I need to live for God—especially the Word of God and the grace of Christ received through prayer, the sacraments, and the fellowship of the Church. Jesus, the Bread of Life, is the true sustenance of the soul.

This prayer also teaches me to live one day at a time, trusting God moment by moment. I remember my dependence and turn from pride. I am also reminded to be generous toward those in need, sharing what God has given me and praying for justice and provision for others.

Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “This simple petition holds profound depth. It trains us to trust God daily, live humbly, and receive His gifts with open hands and grateful hearts.”

Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “When we pray for daily bread, we confess our creatureliness. We cannot sustain ourselves. God provides what we need—physically and spiritually—through His faithfulness.”

The 1662 Book of Common Prayer reflects this petition in its Collects for provision, health, and contentment, and in the Eucharist, where we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” just before receiving the true Bread of Heaven.

J.C. Ryle wrote, “This petition reminds us that we are beggars before God—daily dependent, daily provided for. What He gives is always enough.” (Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, 1865)

Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “To pray for daily bread is to confess trust in God’s goodness today—and not to worry about tomorrow. It’s the prayer of a disciple who knows the Father’s care.”

To ask for daily bread glorifies Christ because it expresses humble trust in the Father, honors His daily provision, and recognizes Him as the Bread of Life.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “This bread is both literal and spiritual. For the body, it is nourishment; for the soul, it is Christ. In both, we depend entirely on God.” — Sermon 56

St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “We ask for bread, not gold or luxury. This is the prayer of faith—daily, humble, and content.” — On the Lord’s Prayer, 18

St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “This petition teaches moderation and dependence. It forbids anxiety, trains the soul in trust, and binds us to our neighbor’s need.” — Homily on Matthew, 19

St. Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–395 AD): “To ask for daily bread is to reject the pride of self-sufficiency and to rest in the care of the Father who never fails.” — On the Lord’s Prayer, 4