Short Spiritual Practices Day 3

Day Three
A Focusing Question:
For centuries, people of faith and spirituality have paused before a meal to give thanks.  It is an opportunity to pause in gratitude - sometimes three times a day! In our home (Rev. Gail) we often go around the table and each of us say aloud something that we are thankful for, before we give thanks for the food in front of us.  
Gratitude reorients the heart and the mind, and transforms us in the image of God.

The Practice:
Today, when you eat, say a simple prayer of thanks for the food, and try saying it in your own words rather than a standard prayer said by ritual.
Be grateful for the nourishment of the food before you and how it feeds your body and soul.
Be grateful for all those that have grown, fished, transported, and prepared the food.
Be grateful for the abundance and mindful of those that go hungry.
And, when you have finished eating, let the gift of the meal settle in your stomach while you take a minute or two to bow your head and be quiet. 
In the silence, be grateful that your stomach is full, your thirst is quenched, and your hunger satisfied.
In the silence be grateful for the strength and renewal that you have received through the meal.
In the silence, smile in the knowledge that your 'daily bread' has been provided. 
Then go into the world with a generous heart, ready to love and serve others.
Peace,
Rev. Gail

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