The Heidelberg Catechism teaches “Give us this day our daily bread” starting with our physical needs and moving into the deeper realm of what lies behind the basics. We don’t just need the provision; we need to know what that tells us about God. I’m struck by the line that even God’s gifts don’t do us any good if they aren’t accompanied by God’s blessing.
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Q &
A 125
Q. What does the fourth petition mean?
A. “Give us this day our daily bread” means:
Do take
care of all our physical needs1
so that we come to know
so that we come to know
that you are the only source of everything good,2
and that neither our work and worry
nor your gifts
can do us any good without your blessing.3
and that neither our work and worry
nor your gifts
can do us any good without your blessing.3
And so help us to give up our trust in creatures
and trust in you alone.4
and trust in you alone.4
1 Ps.
104:27-30; 145:15-16; Matt.
6:25-34
2 Acts 14:17; 17:25; James 1:17
3 Deut. 8:3; Ps. 37:16; 127:1-2; 1 Cor. 15:58
4 Ps. 55:22; 62; 146; Jer. 17:5-8; Heb. 13:5-6
2 Acts 14:17; 17:25; James 1:17
3 Deut. 8:3; Ps. 37:16; 127:1-2; 1 Cor. 15:58
4 Ps. 55:22; 62; 146; Jer. 17:5-8; Heb. 13:5-6
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