FAMILY PRAYER MEAL

A Family Prayer Meal is an opportunity to deepen our awareness that when we are together sharing a meal as a family God is present with us in our little Church of the Home. The format below is based on the weekly Sabbath meal that is still celebrated by Jewish families and can be used at different times during the year, for different occasions. It could end a family fast day or be celebrated with a simple soup and bread meal as a sacrifice and the money saved can be given to the poor. The Last Supper of Jesus and his friends was a special Sabbath meal celebrated once a year to commemorate the Passover, the Jewish liberation from slavery in Egypt .

REQUIREMENTS

For the prayer part: bread or matzos, wine or grape juice, a candle, writing material.

For the meal: family's choice.

THE PRAYER TIME

Begin by making the sign of the cross.

The leader holds up the piece of bread and says:

BLESSED ARE YOU LORD, GOD OF THE UNIVERSE. THANKS TO YOUR GOODNESS WE ARE GATHERED HERE AND HAVE THIS BREAD TO SHARE. BY SHARING THIS MEAL MAY WE BE UNITED IN LOVE AND READY TO SHARE WITH OTHERS.

The leader breaks up the bread and shares it with all present and then continues, holding up the wine or grape juice:

BLESSED ARE YOU LORD, GOD OF THE UNIVERSE. THANKS TO YOUR GOODNESS WE ARE GATHERED HERE AND HAVE THIS FRUIT OF THE VINE TO SHARE. MAY WE WHO SHARE IT KNOW THE JOY OF YOUR PRESENCE AND SHARE THIS JOY WITH OTHERS.

Everyone has a sip.

A family member then lights the candle and all are invited to offer a short prayer. These may be prayers of praise, thanksgiving or intercession for a special need for the family or others.

After the prayers the leader continues:

AT THE LAST SUPPER OF JESUS WITH HIS FRIENDS HE WASHED THEIR FEET AS A SIGN OF SERVICE. WE ARE ASKED TO SHOW A SIGN OF OUR WILLINGNESS TO SERVE EACH OTHER IN MEMORY OF HIM. LET EACH PERSON MAKE A SIGN OR SHARE HOW THEY ARE WILLING TO SERVE IN THE FAMILY.

Each member shares a sign of service.

To conclude all join hands and the leader says:

GOD OUR FATHER, LOOK KINDLY ON OUR FAMILY. MAY WE WHO ARE GATHERED HERE TOGETHER AT THIS TABLE ONE DAY BE REUNITED WITH THOSE MEMBERS WHO HAVE DIED BEFORE US. MAY WE GATHER TOGETHER WITH YOU, WITH JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, OUR MOTHER MARY AND OUR FAVOURITE SAINTS IN THE JOY OF THE FULLNESS OF YOUR KINGDOM.

AMEN.

After the prayer time enjoy the prepared food together.