Pray for What You Need, February 24
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by David Gira
“Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11 NIV).
The demands of cancer will likely surpass anything you have ever experienced. Dealing with the disease may take everything you have—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, financially, and relationally. Even that may not be enough. Being able to ask God for what you need will be essential.
Jesus’ disciples wanted to be able to pray like Him. They wanted to have the same deep connection with God. They wanted their prayers to make things happen. Jesus answered their request and taught them to pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
(Matthew 6:9-13 NIV)
This contains many different aspects of prayer: praising God, asking for His kingdom and will, His forgiveness, guidance, and protection. At its center is a petition for God’s provision, “Give us today our daily bread.” Not only is it ok to ask God for what you need, Jesus teaches you to ask!
“Bread” represents all that we need: food, water, clothing, and shelter. God cares that you have these basic necessities and the means to acquire them. Psalm 145 paints a beautiful image of our giving God: “You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing” (Psalm 145:16 NIV). If God provides for the birds and flowers, He will certainly provide for you.
God can provide for all your needs: financial, emotional, psychological, relational, and vocational. “For nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1:37 ESV).
Ultimately our daily bread is Jesus. When cancer takes everything we’ve got, He faithfully provides all that we hunger for—peace with God, forgiveness of sin, abundant life, all God’s blessings and healing, wisdom and guidance, and the assurance of eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35 NKJV).
Jesus promises us, “I will do whatever you ask in my name…” (John 14:13 NIV). His brother James warns us that we often don’t receive what we need because we don’t ask! (See James 4:2.)
God provides daily bread. God does not provide a stockpile of material or spiritual resources. God wants you to rely on Him, communicate, and come to Him daily. In the Old Testament, God provided the Israelites with manna, bread from heaven, daily. They were commanded not to take more than the amount needed for the day. When they did, they awoke to find it filled with maggots and smelling awful (see Exodus 16:20). What a lesson in learning to trust God for our daily bread!
Pray: Lord, as I face so many demands dealing with cancer, help me to be at peace and to come to You for my daily bread. Amen.
Your Turn: Be blessed as you listen to “The Lord’s Prayer” as sung by Andrea Bocelli.
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a 7 year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
