This post is part of a 40-day journey following Jesus in his prayer life. We’ll explore virtually every reference in the Gospels to Jesus and prayer. For a more in-depth treatment, see my book Prayers from the Pit.
“And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men” (Mark 6:41-44 ESV).
On several occasions recorded in the Gospels Jesus “blesses.” A blessing can be either a petition or a praise. A petition for God to show favor on someone. A praise to God for providing something.
Here, Jesus blesses and breaks the loaves and fish. This was the typical meal of the poor. Ordinary. Basic. Yet Jesus praises God for providing it. Before consuming, Jesus communes. Before he passes the plate, he praises the Father. It wasn’t steak and lobster. It wasn’t prime rib and cheesecake. Still, for this humble provision, Jesus praised.
Think of something basic in your life. Something you take for granted. Your health? Your office? The lunch you packed? The shoes on your feet? Now, say a blessing. Thank God for this basic provision. Over these 40 days, regularly thank God for the ordinary and humble things in your life.
