Opening Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP 235)
Prayer for Illumination
Eternal Spirit of God, breathe into our hearts the light of heaven, that our eyes might be opened, our spirits invigorated, to hear with understanding what you would speak to us this day. Amen.
TEXT
Matthew 14:13-21 NASB
Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the crowds heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick.
When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and the hour is already late; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”
But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!”
They said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”
And He said, “Bring them here to Me.”
Ordering the crowd to recline on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds, and they all ate and were satisfied. They picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets.
There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children.
READ
Lord Christ, Who Fed the Multitude
Howard A. Snyder, 2004
Suggested tune: rest 86.886
(Tune of “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” by Whittier)
Theme: Discipleship, Witness, Kingdom of God
Lord Christ, who fed the multitude
on hills of Galilee,
who welcomed all who came to hear
and brought your gracious kingdom near,
feed us your truth so free.
O Master, you who took the cross
and showed the way to die,
help us in faith to follow you
deny ourselves, your way pursue,
and bring your healing nigh.
When we are drifting with the winds
of culture or of thought,
lead us in paths of righteousness,
give ears to hear the world’s distress,
to seek those Jesus sought.
Lord, may your gracious kingdom come—
Hear now the prayer we raise,
may your full will on earth be done,
creation healed, and justice won,
and all the earth be praise.