Praying in Nature: Blessings of Food

July 16, 2017 ~ Prev | Intro | Next

During July we are focusing on how the natural world can enhance our prayer life.

One of our closest connections to the earth is through our food. This connection is reflected in the fact that food is such a common sign of God’s blessing in the biblical texts. Indeed, it is the basis of the central ritual of our practice, representing Christ’s body and blood in communion.

Isaiah 55 uses food imagery to express the abundance of life in God’s kingdom:

Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;
and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.

Likewise in the gospel lesson this morning, Jesus equates the word of God with the seed, sown by a farmer. When it takes root in good ground, it grows abundantly, even miraculously.

This week, spend some time thinking about the food you eat. Rather than just eating automatically, take the opportunity to appreciate the blessings of God’s nourishment of your body as you take in each mouthful. Imagine it as God’s word entering your body, sweet as honey. Think about the food itself. Is it good food to nourish your body as a temple of the Lord? Or are you consuming what provides temporary satisfaction, but is empty or harmful? Think about how the journey your food has taken. Thank God for the sun and the rain that nurtured the plants and the animals. Pray for the farmers and workers who produced the food and brought it to you. God is our source and blessing in all parts of our lives. Taste and see that the Lord is good.