TRUSTWORTHY SERVANTS AND FAITHFUL MAGISTRATES, that we may have the help
and protection which we need for the enjoyment of our own;

FAVORABLE SEASONS, PEACE AND HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HONOR, TRUE FRIENDS,
GOOD NEIGHBORS, AND THE LIKE,--all those things which increase our
earthly well-being and happiness.

While we pray in this petition that God would give us all the things
enumerated above, _if He sees fit_, we should remember that He is still
giving us our daily bread when He gives us only those things which we
actually must have for the support of our life. [1 Tim. 6:8]

WHY WE PRAY THUS.

GOD GIVES INDEED, WITHOUT OUR PRAYER, EVEN TO THE WICKED [Matt. 5:45]
ALSO THEIR DAILY BREAD; for God is good, and seeks to lead men to
repentance by His goodness. [Rom. 2:4]

BUT WE PRAY IN THIS PETITION THAT HE WOULD MAKE US SENSIBLE OF HIS
BENEFITS, so that we may acknowledge them as His gifts, [Deut. 8:10] and
not ascribe them to our own efforts or to chance, as the worldly and
unbelieving do.

AND ENABLE US TO RECEIVE OUR DAILY BREAD WITH THANKSGIVING. [Eph. 5:20+]
Since all the blessings we enjoy are God's gifts, bestowed without any
worthiness on our part, [Gen. 32:10] we pray that we may always receive
them with thankful hearts, and express our gratitude with our lips and
in our lives. We should give thanks at every meal, and in all our
prayers.