a liturgy for feasting, by Mrs. Raynor

a liturgy for feasting

Lord, who lays the feast
for creatures great and small,
lovingly preparing for each
according to their need:
milk or meat,
vegetables only for some
and pie for every body —

show ys how
to prepare a proper place
at the table for
grief and joy,
love and truth,
labor and rest,
justice and hope,
growth and steadfastness,
courage and quietude,
gratitude and vision,
neighbor, sojourner, stranger
and little child.

show us how
to welcome,
as You do,
our potluck offerings
and our potluck selves:
half-risen, over-cooked, well-seasoned,
and everything in between.
help us to tenderly pull up stools
and stack books on chairs
for the least of these,
including our very own
bodies and souls.

may we eat,
and be satisfied,
and in the strength of this feast
go forth to love the world
as those who love
our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ

Written by: c. raynor
@erstwhilde