Words of Welcome
Prayer
Dear God, we thank you for this meal and the joy of sharing it with friends. We ask that you bless this food to nourish our bodies and conversations to uplift our spirits. May our time together be filled with laughter, love, and meaningful connection. We are grateful for your presence in our lives and for the gift of community. Amen.
GRAB FOOD AND START TO EAT
If there is someone you don’t recognize at your table Introduce yourself:
Name and Pronouns
What do you do full time? Work, school, etc. and what do you do/study?
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?
Trust and Surrender
Proverbs 3:5-6 (CEB)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
don’t rely on your own intelligence.
Know him in all your paths,
and he will keep your ways straight.
Luke 22:42 (CEB)
“Father, if it’s your will, take this cup of suffering away from me. However, not my will but your will must be done.”
Psalm 56:3-5 (CEB)
Whenever I’m afraid,
I put my trust in you—
in God, whose word I praise.
I trust in God; I won’t be afraid.
What can mere flesh do to me?
Thoughts from Anne Lamott
“Trust and surrender. Hmmm. Left to my own devices, I am more about praying for God’s will, but then adding in a number of my always-excellent thoughts on how things should shake down. I know God rolls Their eyes gently and smiles . God’s name for me is Beloved. So, just for today, I pray trust and surrender, I pray not to be such an asshole, I pray gratitude, I pray thankyouthankyouthankyou sweet gentle shepherd; and I pray Make me ever caring and available to the needs of the poor.
Amen.”
Questions:
What are some biblical stories that immediately come to mind for you when you think of people who truly trusted and surrendered to God?
What about some stories of people who didn’t?
How do you identify “God’s will” in your life and in the world?
Can you think of a time when you were able to put aside your immediate wants and desires to trust in God’s will?
As you go into the rest of the week be aware of the things you are clinging and try practicing putting your hope and trust in God’s timing. Pay attention to how that shift feels in your mind, heart and body.
Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)
REMEMBER - YOU ARE A GIFT!
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