Emily Hull McGee

August 18th, 2024

You satisfy the hungry heart with gift of finest wheat; 

Come give to us, O saving Lord, the bread of life to eat.

God of hope, you are gift and grace to this world. To a people who hunger for all that fills, through Jesus, you came as the bread of life. So when we fear hunger, when we worry that we’ll never be satisfied, when we can’t seem to trust that you will provide for us, calm our anxieties. Forgive us for indulging in a fast food faith, one that we expect to be cheap and quick and filling. Remind us that you give us “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” Indeed, Good Shepherd, you supply our needs. 

You satisfy the hungry heart with gift of finest wheat; 

Come give to us, O saving Lord, the bread of life to eat.

God of faith, you created us as people of need. To those of us who are addicted to self-sufficiency, through Jesus, you come as the bread of life. When we devour through our hunger, when we refuse to be still long enough to listen to the hungers within us and choose instead to stuff our lives to overflowing with what we think will satisfy, make us instead eager for you. Give us gentle and grace-filled ways to realize our mistakes. Make clear the road back to you. Reconcile us again. Feed us with your shalom.  Indeed, Bread of Life, you fill our souls.

You satisfy the hungry heart with gift of finest wheat; 

Come give to us, O saving Lord, the bread of life to eat.

God of love, you gave us to one another. And so, to us, your hungry people, fill us again and again. Bless us with your grace, your mercy, your compassion. Spur us toward deeper love for you and for our neighbors in all the days and weeks to come. Give us a hunger instead for justice, for right living, for abundance in all its forms. Indeed, Way and Truth and Life, you give us life abundant.

You satisfy the hungry heart with gift of finest wheat; 

Come give to us, O saving Lord, the bread of life to eat.

On this Sunday when we talk about hunger, o God, keep us from spiritualizing the material. Put in our path people to feed. Open our eyes that we may eat with integrity and commitment to the life of the world. Discomfort us for living in a world where grocery stores are packed with food and hungry children live just around their corners. Relieve our shame. Instead, entice us with the aroma of Christ, and fill us with good things. May we taste and see, may all taste and see that the Lord is, indeed, good.

We pray all these things in the name of Love made flesh, the one who said “I am the bread of Life,” Jesus Christ our Lord who taught us how to pray, saying…