The following prayer by Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem., was published in the national Lenten resource 21st Century Poverty Study Guide (page 14) sponsored by NETWORK: Advocates for Justice, Inspired by Catholic Sisters (reprinted with permission).
Creator God,
On the third day, you produced “…every kind of plant that bears seed and every kind of fruit tree on earth that bears fruit with its seed in it.” Since the beginning of time, you have gifted us with seeds, soil, water, and sunlight to help us produce food that continues to nourish our body, soul, and mind.
For these gifts, we thank you.
The feeding of the human race involves millions of people who grow, pack, transport, and prepare food that has nourished our body, soul, and mind. Our morning cereal, midday sandwich, and evening rice could not be possible without the effort of so many of our neighbors.
For these providers and their efforts, we thank you.
Your son celebrated many meals with those he loved, people often excluded by others in the community. Around such tables, he and we grew and continue to grow in relationship with family, friends, and strangers. Bless those hosts who make such relationship building around a common table possible.
For these opportunities, we thank you.
For growers and consumers who share their resources with food pantries; for men, women, and youth who volunteer at food banks; for policy advocates who lobby on food security with our lawmakers—may they be sustained in their ministries.
For these community servants, we thank you.
For every man, woman, and child, in the United States and abroad suffering from lack of food security, that their material needs may be met. For the grace to discover Christ in service to those suffering from lack of nutrition, we thank you.
We offer this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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