An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism · Martin Luther
THE FOURTH PETITION.
Give us this day our daily bread. _What is meant by this Petition?_ God gives, indeed, without our prayer, even to the wicked also, their daily bread; but we pray in this petition that He would make us sensible of His benefits, and enable us to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. _What is implied in the words "our daily bread"?_ All things that pertain to the wants and the support of this present life; such as food, raiment, money, goods, house and land, and other property; a believing spouse and good children; trustworthy servants and faithful magistrates; favorable seasons, peace and health; education and honor; true friends, good neighbors, and the like. * * * * * In this Petition we acknowledge that every good gift comes from God; [Jas. 1:17] and we pray that He would give us, day by day, those things which we need for our earthly support and comfort, and would make us content and thankful.
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.