Luke 11:3

Give us day by day our daily bread.

Luke 11:3 (KJV)

Context

Jesus taught this prayer after His disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). The petition follows the opening address to God as “Our Father which art in heaven” (Luke 11:2), which establishes the intimate relationship in which believers make their requests. The wording “day by day” emphasizes continual, daily reliance on God’s provision rather than a one-time request.

Meaning

The phrase “our daily bread” is a metaphor representing both physical and spiritual sustenance. Bread is a staple food that nourishes the body, and in this prayer Jesus encourages His followers to depend on God for their daily needs, acknowledging Him as the ultimate provider. The Greek word translated “daily” (epiousion) appears only in the Lord’s Prayer and is often understood to mean “for the coming day” or “necessary for existence.” The petition is communal: “Give us,” not “Give me,” indicating that prayer should include the needs of others and foster shared responsibility.

Biblical connections

This request echoes God’s provision of manna in the wilderness, where the Israelites gathered only enough for each day (Exodus 16:4). It also connects to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:34 not to be anxious about tomorrow. Praying for daily bread can thus be seen as a request for spiritual sustenance, asking God to satisfy our spiritual hunger and provide the strength, wisdom, and grace needed for each day.

Application

By praying for daily bread, Jesus teaches His disciples to trust in God’s continuous provision. This encourages believers to rely on God’s daily sustenance rather than being anxious about the future or hoarding resources. It also cultivates gratitude and contentment, recognizing that all provision comes from God and that He knows our needs better than we do.

• Gratitude and Contentment: The prayer for daily bread teaches believers to cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment, trusting in God’s wisdom and provision for each day.

Reflection

This petition reminds us that God faithfully provides for His children. As we pray for daily bread, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and receive His gifts with thanksgiving, just as the manna taught Israel to rely on God’s mercy each new day.