Daily Bread Nov. 16

Complacent Gratitude
By Carman Thompson of Drumbo, Ontario, Canada


Make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. —Philippians 2:2 NRSV

The ingredients of my breakfast slowly increase in my bowl—cereal grains, seeds, nuts, fruit, some milk, and honey. I sit down and eat. I am conscious that for many, I missed a step. I did not stop, fold my hands, and bow my head in prayer. And yet I am grateful, deeply so, for the privilege and plenty accessible to me.

As I slowly eat, I reflect on this different approach. I think of friends and partners in ministry for whom not pausing to say a blessing on the food is unthinkable. I ponder the deep reverence for life in all its forms that this act humbly suggests. It expresses gratitude and the need to connect deeply with God. It is my need as well.

Prayer for Peace

Oh, God, the source of all that is, thank you for my friends, and their deep relationship with life and with all that is holy. May the blessing of peace found in divine connection be within their thoughts and hearts today. Some struggle with deep sorrow and the pain of loss. May they know they are blessed amid these trials.

There are those who do not have enough. Remind those of us who do, to offer the blessing of bread in your stead. May we not be complacent in our gratitude, but disturbed in our blessings and so be a blessing to others…in Jesus’ name. —Carman Thompson

Spiritual Practice

Open your heart to God’s grace and generosity with a “breath prayer.” Let your breathing slow and deepen. Be aware of God’s breath moving in and out of your heart. Spend several minutes focusing on breathing in God’s generosity. With each breath, silently name one gift for which you are thankful. Let your heart expand to contain God’s gracious outpouring of love. With each breath out, name one gift you want to share from the overflow of your heart.

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I have faith that you know the gratitude in my heart. May you know this by my generosity.

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