Every night before dinner is served, a prayer is said or read by the guests or staff of Elim Church and Strong Tower Parish shelters. A prayer of gratitude for food or survival or a prayer of encouragement sent by community members.
In this video, military veteran, senior, and stage 4 cancer patient Scott (shared with permission), reads a prayer to guests from Pastor Melissa Pohlman of Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
It reads: Dearest God who always sees us and loves us, we thank you for this food we are about to receive and we ask you bless all those who have prepared it from the fields to the truck drivers to our table. Help this food strengthen us in bodily health and protection. Help this food strengthen us in order to share your love in this world that needs it more than ever. In all the holy names of God we pray, Amen.
If you would like to give the gift of a prayer or a meditation to those served by this shelter program, please do so here or at monicanilsson2016@gmail.com. Peace be with you.