My Daily Bread

This morning, I awoke feeling the weight of loss. As I dragged myself around the apartment trying to get ready for work, I said to God, "I don't even know what to pray, or how to pray about this." And then this came to mind:

"Give us this day our daily bread and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

My mind immediately defaulted to the second part of the sentence. Forgive, forgive, who do I need to forgive? About three things came to mind, two were people, one was an entire organization, too much to handle at 9AM in the morning, pre-coffee.

Then I wondered... what would my daily bread be? I know it commonly refers to our daily material needs -- food, shelter, finances. But in 2009, when I am in the blessed position of being able to walk into any grocery store and pretty much not worry about what I can afford, my daily bread may really need to be emotional and spiritual sustenance.

What role does sustenance play in helping us soldier through the uneasy parts of this walk with God? Afterall, I eat before I work out. Should I not get some spiritual sustenance before I attempt to work out my issues?

And so... my daily bread for today is Psalm 20. More about why later. For now, here it is, in the easy to swallow Contemporary English Version.

Psalm 20Prayer for Victory over Enemies.
For the choir director. A Psalm of David.

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high! May He send you help from the sanctuary and support you from Zion! May He remember all your meal offerings and find your burnt offering acceptable! Selah.

May He grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your counsel! We will sing for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God. They have bowed down and fallen, but we have risen and stood upright. Save, O LORD; may the King answer us in the day we call.