We’ve all heard the phrase “Give us this day our daily bread” from the Lord’s Prayer. But have we ever paused to think about what it truly means? It’s more than a simple request for our physical needs; it’s an invitation to make Jesus the center of our lives every single day.

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray. He starts with “Our Father,” connecting us as a community, and honours God by saying, “Hallowed be Your name.” Then comes a significant shift: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” It’s about seeking God’s will over our own, placing His plans first.

But here’s where it gets personal: “Give us this day our daily bread.” At first glance, it might seem like a simple request for provision. Yet, there’s a deeper invitation here. Jesus isn’t just encouraging us to ask for our needs; He’s inviting us into the very heart of God. He longs for us to seek Him daily, not just for what He can give, but for who He is.

Think about the excitement of being in love. When someone captures your heart, you’ll find any reason to be near them. It’s not about the gifts or favors; it’s about their presence. In the same way, God desires us to come to Him simply because we want to be with Him.

Sometimes, though, we might find ourselves more interested in what God can provide rather than in God Himself. It’s like attending a friend’s party just for the food, not for the friendship. Dallas Willard observed that some people want a little of Jesus’ help but aren’t interested in truly knowing Him or embracing His character. But consider this: how fulfilling can that relationship be?

In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus is invited to dine at a Pharisee’s house. During the meal, a woman known for her sinful life enters with an alabaster jar of perfume. She weeps at Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair, kissing them, and pouring perfume on them. While others judge her, Jesus sees her heart.

This woman shows us how to approach Jesus:

• With Humility: She positions herself at His feet, recognizing His authority.

• In Brokenness: She brings her true self, tears and all, without pretense.

• Through Deep Love: Her actions aren’t about getting something from Him but expressing her devotion.

• Offering Her Best: The expensive perfume represents giving Him what is precious to her.

Contrast this with the Pharisee, who had specific expectations of how Jesus should behave. He was more concerned with propriety than with truly engaging with Jesus. It’s a reminder that sometimes we might have our own ideas of how God should act, fitting Him into our plans instead of seeking His presence authentically.

This reminds us of the importance of community and gathering together. Meeting with other believers isn’t just a tradition; it’s a way to encourage one another and experience God’s presence collectively. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us not to give up meeting together but to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Now, consider the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35. They were walking away from Jerusalem, filled with disappointment after Jesus’ crucifixion. A man joins them on their journey, and although they don’t recognize Him as Jesus, they feel their hearts burning as He explains the Scriptures.

When they reach their destination, they invite Him to stay. At the table, Jesus takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and begins to give it to them. Suddenly, their eyes are opened, and they recognize Him. Then He disappears from their sight.

What changed? Their focus shifted from their own expectations to being open to His presence. By inviting Him in and sharing a meal, they experienced a profound revelation. It’s a beautiful picture of how Jesus wants to reveal Himself to us when we make room for Him.

“Give us this day our daily bread” becomes more than a request for food; it’s a plea for Jesus Himself, the Bread of Life. It’s about coming to Him daily, relying on Him completely. Just as our bodies need food, our souls need His presence.

So, how does this look in our everyday lives? It means prioritizing time with Him, not just as a duty but as a delight. It’s about being willing to let go of our own agendas and allowing Him to lead. When we make Jesus the center, everything else begins to align.

There’s a lot in the world that can distract us—work, responsibilities, personal goals. Sometimes, even our expectations of how things should be can get in the way. But Jesus gently reminds us that when we focus on Him, He takes care of the rest.

In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Recognizing who Jesus truly is forms the foundation of our faith. When we see Him clearly, other things fall into place.

Loving Jesus is the greatest achievement we can aspire to. It’s about cultivating a meaningful relationship with Him. He desires to be intimately involved in our lives, serving as our source and sustenance.

Remember, the God who is everywhere longs to be somewhere specific—with you. He desires to dwell in your heart, to walk with you daily. It’s an incredible thought that the Creator of the universe wants a personal relationship with each of us.

So, let’s embrace this invitation. Let’s seek Him not just for what He can do but for who He is. By coming to Him daily, we find nourishment for our souls and strength for our journey. After all, being with Jesus is where we find true fulfillment and joy.

“Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” – Psalm 84:10