One of the good purposes of a catechism is that is unpacks by way of explanation the brief, familiar things we're familiar with as Christians. It gives us more understanding and insight to the depth of the meaning of what, in this case, we're praying. And provides more to meditate on as we come to God with our requests, as He invites us. Here is part of Martin Luther's explanation in the Large Catechism for this petition of the Lord's Prayer:
Let this be a very brief explanation and sketch, showing how far this petition extends through all conditions on earth. Of this any one might indeed make a long prayer, and with many words enumerate all the things that are included therein, as that we pray God to give us food and drink, clothing, house, and home, and health of body; also that He cause the grain and fruits of the field to grow and mature well; furthermore, that He help us at home towards good housekeeping, that He give and preserve to us a godly wife, children, and servants, that He cause our work, trade, or whatever we are engaged in to prosper and succeed, favor us with faithful neighbors and good friends, etc.
Likewise, that He give to emperors, kings, and all estates, and especially to the rulers of our country and to all counselors, magistrates, and officers, wisdom, strength, and success that they may govern well and vanquish the Turks and all enemies; to subjects and the common people, obedience, peace, and harmony in their life with one another; and on the other hand, that He would preserve us from all sorts of calamity to body and livelihood, as lightning, hail, fire, flood, poison, pestilence, cattle-plague, war and bloodshed, famine, destructive beasts, wicked men, etc.
All this it is well to impress upon the simple, namely, that these things come from God, and must be prayed for by us.
We must remember that when John the Baptist came bursting on the scene that God had not been speaking to Israel through prophets for nearly 400 years (Amos and Micah talk about this famine of God's word). Israel was totally apostate. Their prophetic program was nearing the end according to Daniel's timeline. Jesus pronouced that the KINGDOM was "at hand/nigh at hand." All that was left on that Jewish calendar was the time of Jacob's trouble, the 70th week, etc. The so-called Lord's prayer is a Jewish prayer for those who were going to have to go through the 7 years of tribulation (baptism of fire). Just as they were provided for in Exodus (trial run) they were going to be provided for during the tribulation - thus the prayer for daily bread. We as "protestants" abuse a prayer that was never intended for us. All the Bible is for us but now All the Bible is TO US - that is a fact. Love your web page and have enjoyed visiting it many times.
Posted by: Tony Bonagura | March 17, 2010 at 02:23 PM
Great post, Tony. I agree, we have the benefit of history to see that the "end" spoken of by John the Baptist and Jesus was not the end of the "world," but the end of the Old Covenant Age. Christ is here and His Kingdom is a present reality, not a future event.
Posted by: Perry Shields | March 17, 2010 at 11:01 PM