Our Daily Bread
During this time of ‘cocooning’ we may find our relationship with food has changed. Perhaps we spend more time thinking about where, when and how to get the food we need. Some items are scarce – we delight in the surprise of obtaining flour or yeast. We may have more time to cook with care. For those who don’t have the resources to feed themselves properly and for those who help them, this is a difficult time.
In preparation for Quiet Space you might like to gather a few items of food to place around your candle
Take the time to sit comfortably and relax, gently bringing your awareness to your breath.
Healing presence of God
As we come into this space, surround us with your love
May we see your beauty, feel your love
Know your wisdom, experience your power
May we find in you the comfort we desire and the strength we need
And may your presence be with us every hour of this night
You may like to take some time to explore the food you have chosen. Imagine you have never seen it before – how it looks and feels and smells, the memories, thoughts and prayers it evokes.
For the Senses
May the touch of your skin
Register the beauty
of the otherness that surrounds you
May your listening be attuned
To the deeper silence
Where sound is honed to bring the distance home
May the fragrance
Of a breathing meadow
Refresh your heart and remind you that you are a child of the earth
And when you partake
Of food and drink,
May your taste quicken to the gift and sweetness
That flows from the earth
May your inner eye
See through the surfaces
And glean the real presence of everything that meets you
May your soul beautify
The desire of your eyes
That you might glimpse
The infinity that hides
In the simple sights that seem worn to your usual eyes
From ‘Benedictus -a book of blessings’ byJohn O’Donohue
Read Acts 2 V 42-47
This lectionary reading for today might evoke feelings of sadness as we are not able to meet and eat together in the usual way. Many of are eating alone and know it may be some time before we can sit down to a meal with friends or family.
But, even when we eat alone, our food can connect us with so many people; growers, pickers, packers, processers, lorry drivers, shop assistants as well as neighbours and friends and family.
A time of silence or gentle music, for prayer or reflection.
Breadsong
It’s not in the bread, but in the breaking
That the mystery of God’s story is told
It’s not in the seed, but in the dying,
Not in the treasure, but in the digging for it
It’s not in the mountain, but in its moving.
It’s not in the wine, but in the pouring
That a new world is purchased for the weary.
It’s not in the cross but in the crucified,
Not in the nails but in the nailing.
It’s not in the grave, but in the rising from it.
It’s in the giving
That the gift becomes life;
It’s in the living
That the Word becomes flesh.
It’s in this taking, this receiving, this sharing of a supper,
This pointing to a future
That is promised and paid for and pressed into our hands;
It’s in this everyday mealtime miracle
That the universe is born
To new life.
Gerard Kelly in ‘Spoken Worship’
Blessing:
Calm me, O Lord, as you stilled the storm
Still me, O Lord, keep me from harm
Let all the tumult within me cease
Enfold me, Lord, in your peace
David Adam in ‘Celtic Daily Prayer’