Family Worship (July 19)

Have you ever packed a backpack for a day trip? You might put in a water bottle, a snack, sunscreen, and maybe a rain jacket. You pack the things you think you will need for the day. But imagine if someone asked you to pack everything you would ever need for the rest of your life! That would be impossible.
The truth is, God never asks us to carry everything by ourselves. He created us to depend on him every single day. Every morning we wake up needing food to eat, water to drink, air to breathe, and strength for the day ahead. Those needs remind us that God is our loving Father who takes care of his children.
When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he said, "Give us today our daily bread." He was teaching them to trust God one day at a time. God knows what we need, and he loves to provide for us. Best of all, God has given us his greatest gift—Jesus, the Bread of Life, who gives us forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. Because of Jesus, we can trust our heavenly Father with every need, both big and small.

Matthew 6:11
Give us today our daily bread.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus taught us to pray for today's bread instead of asking for bread for the whole year?
2. What are some things our family needs from God each day besides food?
3. How does knowing that Jesus is the Bread of Life help us trust God when we are worried or afraid?

Activity: Today's Bread Basket
You'll need a basket or bowl, several small pieces of paper, and a pen.
Give each family member three slips of paper. On the first slip, write or draw one thing you need today (food, help with school, strength, courage, wisdom, a friend, etc.). On the second slip, write one thing God has already provided for you this week. On the third slip, write "Jesus."
Place all the papers into the basket. Take turns pulling them out and reading them aloud. Thank God for the ways he provides each day. When someone pulls out the paper that says "Jesus," pause and remind everyone that while God gives us many good gifts, his greatest gift is his Son. Finish by praying together, asking God to provide for today's needs and thanking him for giving us the Bread of Life.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving our family and giving us everything we need each day. Thank you for food to eat, a place to live, and people who care for us. Forgive us for trying to do everything on our own. Help us trust you one day at a time. Thank you most of all for sending Jesus, the Bread of Life, who gives us forgiveness and eternal life. Teach us to depend on you and to bring every need to you in prayer. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Memory Work:

New City Catechism
29. How can we be saved?
Only by faith in Jesus Christ and in his substitutionary atoning death on the cross.

Memory Verse
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,  and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.