Working as a midwife means that no two days look the same. Unfortunately, we can’t ask babies when or how they would like to enter the world, so naturally our job is very unpredictable! Because of that, I sometimes find it hard to know what to pray for in my quiet time. I often find myself returning to one simple line from the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us today our daily bread” (Matt 6:11). I may not know what “daily bread” I may need, but my heavenly Father knows. Praying this gives me peace that I don’t need to have everything worked out ahead of time. God will give me what I need for today.

When I cycle into work, I think through all the possible situations I might encounter that day: a pregnant mother concerned about her baby’s growth; a woman in labour, struggling with pain; a sleep-deprived father worried about his newborn baby. “Give us today our daily bread, Lord”, I pray.

I’m sure all of us experience times at work where we are unsure of what to say or do. I often feel ill equipped for situations that I face. When there is an emergency or unexpected outcome, I don’t always have the right words to say. There have been many shifts where the weight of my weakness feels overwhelming, but God reminds me that I cannot do things in my own strength, I must depend on Him (Phil. 4:13).

Even so, I often find it hard to depend on God. You might say I’m a low-grade “control freak”. I am constantly tempted to plan a million miles ahead. Letting go feels uncomfortable and difficult. Looking at examples from the Bible of how God provides for His people has really helped me on my journey with this. One example is the story of the Israelites in the wilderness. God sent manna from heaven each day, giving them exactly what they needed at that specific time. They could not store it or preserve it, but God was faithful in His provision day after day (Ex 16:16-18).

And God didn’t just send bread from the sky for the Israelites, He also sent us Jesus, the “bread of life”, so that no one has to hunger again (John 6:33-35). God met our greatest spiritual need through sending His son to save us from our sin. Hallelujah! We can trust Him that He provides, He has shown us again and again.

Over time, I have found real joy in reflecting on God’s provision in my own life too. It helps me remember that God really does give us our “daily bread”. I am also learning how to build a rhythm of daily dependence rather than self-reliance by forming habits such as asking for my “daily bread” each morning. Then, at the end of the day, I can give all glory to God and thank Him for His provision, rather than thinking I did it by my own strength. I don’t always get this right but God is faithful in His grace towards us.

So, whatever your everyday looks like, I encourage you to look to God for your “daily bread”, trusting in Him for all you need. He is a good Father who provides for His children. Praise Him that His mercies are new each morning, great is His faithfulness.