A central part of the “Our Father” prayer deals with our daily needs. Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.”

Some might think this teaching is outdated, as today’s wages are paid weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Following this line of thought, perhaps the correct prayer should be, “Give us this month’s bread on the 31st.”

But Jesus is guiding us to reorder our thinking regarding the provision of food, clothing, and shelter. We must clearly understand that our sustenance comes from God.

But isn’t it a happy boss who pays us, isn’t it our skill that generates sales, and isn’t it our good performance that creates a climate of economic stability?

Surely, all of this is necessary because God will not reward laziness. It is a good testimony of efficiency to take advantage of the doors the Lord opens for us.

But it would be childish foolishness to forget the Creator of opportunities, the Provider of mercies, our responsible Heavenly Father, the One who empowers us to succeed.

That is why we are asked to remember in prayer each day that He is the One who provides our bread.