Every year our congregation prepares and serves lunch at the inner city mission in our area. It’s an important event for our congregation. It takes many people and much dedication to make it work.
Our time is always meaningful, the people kind and grateful, the service very fulfilling. As we gathered for prayer after our last event, we were asked to acknowledge something we had seen or heard which was significant for us. I heard people praying for the new people they’d met, the situations which surprised or blessed them, and thankfulness for the opportunity of serving.
As the prayer circle came to me I only wanted to add one request. I prayed that this opportunity to serve, this once-a-year experience, be as meaningful to us, as community building and uplifting as our own congregational dinners.
I continue to pray that we experience, in those times of service, the importance of this work, of giving to and sharing with people; that our once-a-year be as meaningful as their every day.
Lord of the rich and the poor, help us to see ourselves as you see us, created in your image, sharing this world with all your creations. Help us to be gracious in our service, genuine in our giving and grateful for all our good gifts. Amen. — KNM