Balanced Blessing
By Steve Bolie of Clive, IA USA
Heed the urgent call to become a global family united in the name of the Christ, committed in love to one another, seeking the kingdom for which you yearn and to which you have always been summoned. That kingdom shall be a peaceable one and it shall be known as Zion. —Doctrine and Covenants 161:6b
“Bless this food to the needs of our bodies.” I enjoy hearing this phrase in a table grace. My body does not need more calories so the blessing must remove the calories, right? It hasn’t worked yet.
The prayer has consciousness-raising facets. In the United States and other developed nations our calorie intake often exceeds the needs of our bodies. Eating less is one way the meal can bless our bodies. The blessing request reminds us to bring some balance to our eating.
Considering the needs of our bodies reminds us of those who do not have enough to eat. It challenges us to do all we can to balance food consumption throughout the world. We try to balance our own calorie intake to our need and to make the excess available to those with greater need.
Inviting others to share our table is one way we can move toward balance and enjoy fellowship. Reducing our food budget and giving the savings to Abolish Poverty and End Suffering is another. Blessings abound for us and others from the balancing practice! The prayer of blessing is answered!
Prayer for Peace
Generous God, you have given us enough and to spare. Help us be careful of consuming too much. Help us choose to use less and share more. Help us share the justice and peace of Christ.
Spiritual Practice: Reflection on Hunger
Bring a piece of bread to your worship space and hold it in your hands. Reflect on all the people and work that made this bread possible. See and remember the farmers growing and harvesting the grain, the millers, bakers, transport workers, and grocers. Offer a prayer of gratitude and blessing for all who have worked to create this bread. Feel its texture, look at its color, and smell its fragrance. Take a ite, chew slowly, and let it become part of your body. Ask for compassion and courage to offer bread to all who hunger.
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will carefully plan my meals to avoid overeating and waste. I will make a plan to share what I save.
