A Prayer about Eating Soul Food
Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. (Isa. 55:1–3 NIV)
Most gracious Father, I praise you today for the simple pleasure of eating. Right now I’m thinking about pan-seared pompano, a well chosen white wine, a fresh mango salad, sweet potato fries, grilled asparagus, and some fresh pistachio gelato to finish off the banquet. Thank you, Father, for the utter joy of eating. But alas, like all of your good gifts, even our eating is broken, and we are such poor stewards of our thirst and hunger.
Too much of the time, Father, I’m a hungry man demanding instant gratification. I’ll grab whatever drink I think will slake my thirst, and I’ll eat whatever bread will make me full in the moment. Like Esau, I let a bowl of steaming oatmeal in my hand hold more power than the promise of a sumptuous feast.
Yet, Father, you’re always beckoning me to the only feast that will satisfy the insatiable hunger and thirst of my soul. You’ve spread before me the gospel feast of your Son, Jesus, and the whole bountiful banquet has already been paid for in full. You designed me for delights you alone can satisfy through your grace.
Indeed, Lord Jesus, you are the Bread of Life and the giver of living water. You’re the richest fare the Father has promised. You so generously nourish us through the means of grace: the Scriptures, prayer, fellowship, private and corporate worship, service, the Eucharist. Yet all of these are just a foretaste of the meal from which all banqueting derives its meaning: the wedding feast of the Lamb (Rev. 19). Hasten that blessed day and eternal feast. In your gracious name we pray.
Amen.