Prayer for Saturday Evening Dinner (April 5, 2008)

by Fr. Paul Marshall

Almighty and loving God,

In your providence you have brought forth life.  With each created being you have communicated your will.  For human persons, made in your image and likeness, you have given the creative spirit to bring forth awareness, reflection and imaginative thoughts of possibilities and innovative insights that allow us to share life and love.  We thank you this night for blessing us with the power of words. 

During these days of the writers’ workshop, many have gathered to remember the delightful ways in which Erma Bombeck used words to humor us and to help us delve deeply into the meaning of human life.  We thank you for the ways in which her words still live and give life. 

Tonight we will hear of new means of communicating the power of words through the use of the internet.  We pray that this technology will enrich all those who use it to give joy to others, will guide those who challenge to grow in human wisdom and insight, and we pray that our spirits will connect through the presence of words that come from people who care and love life.  Send out your Spirit to guide us so that we responsibly use words for the unity of the human family and the expression of our individual gifts. 

Bless this gathering tonight.  Bless this meal as we share gracefully the gifts of each person.  Bless those who have prepared this meal.  May it be a reminder of your goodness and the manifold ways that you care for our needs – whether they be physical needs or intellectual and spiritual needs. 

All glory and honor be yours, Loving God, today and always.