Let us acclaim the wonders of the Lord
who generously and extravagantly pours out rich blessings on us
hour after hour,
day after day,
year after year
so many blessings we can overlook them
or take them for granted
the wonder of turning a tap and getting clean, fresh water
the pattern rain makes on a window
a random wild flower adding a splash of colour
in a place where it’s not wanted
free school education for our children and grandchildren
our local community council
the posties who not only deliver our mail, but check all is well with the lonely and isolated
our neighbours
our friends
our families
we place all of these blessings, and so many more before you, Lord God
with thankful hearts that they all are your rich, rich blessings on our lives
[pause]
Blessed Christ
we thank you for showing us a way which reminds us to look beyond what is easy to do what is right
to be willing to humble ourselves for the sake of your kingdom
who are the ones who we should include at our tables?
Should we really not invite our relatives and friends?
Or are we to seek your kingdom
now and always
in serving others who can never repay
the grieving family who can barely afford the funeral
the wheelchair user who is excluded by society’s attitudes
the addict receiving care from Crossreach
that person in front of us at the checkout who has to put things back, because they don’t have enough money
those who need comfort and support in their times of crisis, who will never darken a door of a church
the Amazonian tribe, displaced by fire and greed
the North Korean Christian, interned for their faith
[pause]
Christ Jesus
we know we cannot invite all of these to our homes
but show us how to practice hospitality as you would have us do
where, in your kingdom, there is a place at the table for all
Amen