It is fitting that Jesus’ perfect prayer uses bread to represent the needs of humanity. Indeed, people can live without a great many things, but food is not one of them. Food is one of the few universal human needs, which offers humanity opportunities daily to connect with one another over a meal.

The food landscape is changing. Growing up in the 80’s, foods in microwavable packages eaten off TV trays were all the rage. Fast, processed food was the norm. Now, people are moving away from fast and processed toward slow and whole. Physical health of consumers is only part of the puzzle. The health and wellness of the planet is also a piece of the puzzle. A recognition that human begins are becoming increasingly isolated is also behind the desire and the movement toward cooking together and eating together – taking time and sitting at an unplugged table. When Jesus offers the prayer, “Give us each day our daily bread,” there is much more to the ask than simply food. It is about creation, the planet, and the physical, mental, and spiritual wellness of humanity, and our relationship with a God who loves all of creation.

(For more information, read Fast Food Nation or Don’t Eat This Book, or watch the movies, Fast Food Nation, Supersize Me, Earth Voice Food Choice, or Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution.)

Luke 11:2-4

He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.”