Almighty God, you created the bounty of the earth on the third day and gave it to humans to tend. You fed your children with manna in the wilderness and provided Elijah food before he experienced your presence. You called the boy Samuel in a small voice and made him a prophet who annointed kings. As a child your son Jesus Christ was found discussing with the elders in the temple, and as an adult he provided food for 5000 with only a few loaves. Even when the disciples rebuked him, he proclaimed “let the children come to me” and reminded us to become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. Before death, he shared the Lord’s Supper with his disciples and left us with the nourishment of his body and blood. Even before he was raised or ascended, he assured us he would still be present in the hungry and the thirsty, in the stranger and the prisoner, in the naked and the sick. From the sharing of the Holy Spirit, his disciples were inspired to share what they had with one another.
We bring before you, O God, these offerings of food for children at Alexander Wilson Elementary, along with disciples from many other churches who worship in your name. May this food be a sign of the blessings we receive in you. Even as it nourishes their bodies, may it also bless these children with the knowledge of love from their neighbors and from you. We pray that this food might feed their bodies, minds, and spirits. We pray, God, for all the children at that school, that they may learn and grow in safety.
Finally, God, we hope and pray for the day when these gifts will not be necessary. For a day when every child in our community, our nation, and our world is whole and fed. When the ample resources of the modern world are directed towards caring for those who hunger and thirst. When feeding and educating all of our children is no longer an afterthought, but our first priority. We pray, God, for justice to roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. May these gifts be a sign of that day to come.