Are some things too insignificant to bring up when talking to God? I remember smiling when a youngster gives the mealtime prayer and thanks God for… everything – the people there, the food, the pets, their new shoes, the cool saltshakers – everything.

Do you think God tolerates such prayers or welcomes them? Does it matter whether the prayer was from a child or adult?

If we think outside our privileged shell, we realize that there are many on this planet – and in this town – who don’t have enough food, who have loved ones missing, who have neither pets nor shoes. Do we just assume we have these things and don’t thank God for them? I have never feared that I might not be able to eat that day. What would thanking God for my daily bread do to my perspective?

Of course, the phrase “daily bread” takes us back to the exodus/wilderness experience of Israel [Exodus 16:14-18], when the people gathered just enough manna for THAT DAY – no more. If they collected more, it would rot before they could eat it.

(“Manna” means “what’s this?” They didn’t know, but that stuff kept them alive.)

Jesus is recorded teaching about prayer (and particularly what we call “The Lord’s Prayer”) in Luke [Luke 11:1-10] as well as Matthew. In that prayer, Jesus teaches us to ask, “Give us the bread we need for today.” Does he mean only literally bread/food, or something more?

What do you pray for? What should you pray for? How important is listening to the devotion of prayer?

There are various translations of the Lord’s Prayer used in worship. Sunday we will repeat together, at the end of the sermon, one used around the world by English-speaking congregations.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday!