Over the past few months, I’ve been asked repeatedly by churches and missions agencies, “What does 21st century post-pandemic missions look like?” Indeed, as Jesus’ return nears and Matthew 24 and Revelation 6 become ever more realized, I answer using the fourth petition “give us this day our daily bread” of the Lord’s Prayer to highlight an emerging missions trend.

Have you ever wondered why the petition is not for a year’s worth or a life’s worth of bread? Wouldn’t it be more efficacious? And why does the prayer use “us” and “our”?

The answers lie in Exodus 16, where the Israelites were given manna daily. During the 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites collected manna daily, just enough for each day. Too much (except Friday where they also collected for the Sabbath) and the manna would rot. There should never be too much nor too little. My sermon from last week, entitled “Enough is Better,” teaches us that experiencing God’s grace is far better than accumulated securities when we will trust our riches over relying on God (see Proverbs 30:7-9). Many people are anxious about declining savings and their 401(k) this year, but we need not fear if we are relying on God. “Enough is better,” for relying on God’s goodness exceeds any material security.

A second aspect is in the petition’s plurality. This is the essence of God’s community, with people sharing so no one has need (see Acts 2:42-48). Many churches today suffer mission drift and self-identify with exclusivity, “Christian” values, or even politics. But God’s family has always been defined by “love and good works” (see Hebrews 10:24-25). “Give US this day OUR daily bread” reminds us that, in God’s Kingdom and will, we are to share so that none has any need. In the 21st century, with the rise of geopolitical turmoil and natural disasters, where Sri Lankans to Floridians share the experience of only one meal a day or the loss of all things, missions must be holistic to include both Word and especially Deed.