Psalm of the Day: Psalm 140:1-13
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 12:15-28
Scripture Reading: Luke 11:1-4
The second division of the Lord's Prayer, respects our own daily NEEDS. We are taught to make mention of two things which we need every day. One of these two things is temporal — and the other is spiritual. One of them is "bread." The other is "forgiveness of sins."
We are taught to ask for BREAD — "Give us this day our daily bread." In this word "bread," no doubt, is included everything which our bodies can require. We acknowledge our entire dependence upon God for life, and breath, and all things. We ask Him to take charge of us — and provide for us in all that concerns this world. It is the prayer of Solomon under another form, "Give me neither poverty nor riches — but give me only my daily bread." (Proverbs 30:8.)
We are taught to ask, in the next place, for FORGIVENESS — "Forgive us our sins, for we forgive everyone who sins against us." In so saying, we confess that we are fallen, guilty, and corrupt creatures, and in many things sin daily. We make no excuse for ourselves. We plead nothing in our own behalf. We simply ask for the free, full, gracious mercy of our Father in Christ Jesus. And we accompany the petition by the only profession which the whole Lord's Prayer contains. We profess that we "forgive everyone who sins against us."
The combined simplicity and richness of the second division of the Lord's Prayer, can never be sufficiently admired. How soon the words are spoken! And yet how much the words encompass! Daily bread and daily mercy are by far the first and principal things that mortal man needs. He is the rich man, who possesses them. He is the wise man, who is not ashamed to pray for them every day.The child of God, no doubt, is fully justified before God, and all things are working for his good. But it is the life of true faith, to apply daily for fresh supplies for all our needs. Though the promises are all ours, our Father desires His children to remind Him of them. Though washed — we need daily to wash our feet. (John 13:10.)
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, give ,e day by day our daily bread. And forgive me of my sins; as I also forgive every one that is indebted to me.
Action Plan: How often do you take your needs to the Lord in prayer? He wants to hear them! Make a list of your needs and spend time in prayer today bringing them to the Lord.
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
