Heavenly Father,
We thank you for this gift of food.
We remember all those who have no homes, those who are outside, cold and hungry.
We pray for all who seek out homeless people and offer them food and drink.
We pray for all displaced people, refugees, migrants and asylum seekers that they may find themselves welcomed and nurtured in their new homes.
We thank you today for our homes, our families, food and fellowship.
Amen
Sharing a meal
When Megan, a doctor, was driving home from a conference, she got stuck in one of those terrible traffic jams which take hours to clear. Tired and hungry she got off the motorway and drove to her mother-in-law’s house. Although she arrived unannounced, her mother-in-law welcomed her with delight, sat her down and immediately put a knife and fork in front of her while she made tea and rustled up a meal. Megan reflected later that knowing she couldn’t get home, she headed for the one place where she knew she would be welcomed and fed.
Ask many people who they think help homeless people and they will say straightaway ‘Salvation Army’. The SA are known for their tireless work to provide food and drink for people who sleep rough or have no other place to go.
In this space, we invite you to share a meal together. Who comes to your meal is up to you. Maybe you would like to invite your friends and relatives, opening your home in the spirit of Megan’s mother-in-law. Maybe you would like to hold an event at your church for disadvantaged people in your community, or volunteer for a soup kitchen or other food provision in your community such as a food bank. Maybe you would like to do this as a group, remembering those who struggle to find hot food and drink and those who work to reach them.
In the spirit of the traditional Salvation Army soup kitchen, we offer you a recipe for tomato soup. Enjoy.
Ben