Give US This Day our DAILY Bread
In Part 4 of our series "Unlocking Prayer with Jesus," Pastor Josh Hawkins turns to the fourth petition of the Lord’s Prayer: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Luke 11:3).
Up to this point, the Lord's Prayer has focused upward on God—His fatherhood, His holy name, and His incoming kingdom. Now, Jesus gives us permission to bring our personal needs to the Father. But within this simple request lie two revolutionary truths:
1. We are contingent; God is not: Human beings have real, non-negotiable needs for survival. God has zero needs—He is the inexhaustible fountain who delights in providing for His children.
2. It says "Give US," not "Give ME": Jesus dismantles rugged individualism. Prayer is a communal act where we carry the needs of our brothers and sisters. Drawing from Acts 4:32–35, Pastor Josh challenges us to overcome the cultural shame of having needs and rediscover radical, shared care where "there are no needy persons among us."
3. It says "DAILY bread": Like the manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16), God provides bread for today, freeing our hearts from the anxiety and hoarding of tomorrow.
📖 Key Scripture References:
- Luke 11:1–4 & Matthew 6:9–11 (The Lord's Prayer)
- Acts 4:32–35 (The early church shares all things)
- Exodus 16:16–21 (Manna in the wilderness)
- Matthew 6:25–34 (Do not worry about tomorrow)
- Psalm 104:27–28 (All creatures look to You for food)
- John 6:35 (Jesus, the Bread of Life)
💡 Key Takeaways:
1. Embracing Our Contingency: You were created with needs so that you would walk in daily relationship with the One who has none.
2. The Community of "US": When one member of the body has a need, the whole body shares that need. Praying "Give us" moves our hearts from selfish consumption to kingdom intercession.
3. Breaking the Shame of Need: Culture treats vulnerability as weakness, but in the church of Jesus Christ, sharing our needs creates the soil for miracles and unity.
4. Living One Day at a Time: Trying to store up tomorrow's bread produces rot and worry. God invites us into a day-by-day rhythm of trust.
⏱️ Chapter Markers / Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome & Declaration of Purpose
02:45 - Worship: "Taste and See" & "Hallelujah"
13:53 - Worship: "It Is Well With My Soul"
24:36 - Worship: "How Great Is Our God"
28:01 - Pastoral Declaration: God Is Greater Still
30:00 - Word of the Lord & Gifts of the Spirit
32:50 - Community Testimony: Never Give Up on Someone
36:21 - Announcements & Church Family Life
38:02 - Offering & Partnership with God
41:22 - Corporate Prayer for Healing
45:23 - The Lord's Prayer Series: Reviewing "Father", "Hallowed", & "Kingdom Come"
47:52 - Turning to Personal Needs: "Give Us This Day"
49:31 - The Theological Reality: We Are Contingent, God Is Not
52:48 - Crucial Shift #1: Why Jesus Said "US" and Not "ME"
54:35 - The Radical Acts 4 Church: "No Needy Persons Among Them"
57:11 - Overcoming the Cultural Shame of Having Need
1:00:20 - Crucial Shift #2: The Meaning of "DAILY" Bread
1:04:15 - Manna in the Wilderness: Bread for Today, Freedom from Tomorrow
1:09:40 - The True Bread of Life & Communion
1:15:30 - Closing Blessing & Benediction
💬 Engagement Prompt:
Do you find it harder to admit your own needs to others, or to trust God for tomorrow's provision? What is one way you can carry someone else's "daily bread" in prayer this week? Let us know in the comments!
Connect with Fremont Community Church:
Website: https://fremontcommunity.org
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