Unexpected Guests

I struggled with naming the title of this Reflection but writing the Prayer was a breeze.

Remember the movie, “Guess Whose Coming to Dinner?”

Do you remember the guest, the handsome Sydney Poitier, a poised, smooth, and debonair Black man who won the hearts of many?

Yes, but, it didn’t happen without a struggle.

Someone boldly invited him to dinner. Eventually others welcomed him.

He wasn’t the boogeyman or the big bad wolf who planned to “huff and puff and blow your house down.”

The guest was already equipped to be a friend, a neighbor, a worker and lover. The folks around the dinner table had to change their perceptions and ways.

Today, we are faced with unexpected guests.

We are challenged to reach across our tables and invite an immigrant father, mother, child and family to dinner. Pray with them and for them.

We are called to do our best.

Trust God will do the rest.

Let us Park and Pray at 1:11 pm

Almighty God we look to You for guidance as we struggle with a humanitarian crises involving guests who are seeking a refuge from life threatening situations.

We are grounded by Your Spirit, Word and Love. Bless us with the means and ways to honor justice and welcome our guests to a bountiful table.

Inspire us to welcome an asylum seeking immigrant family. Equip us with the tools to address their most urgent needs. Bless them with the righteous desires of their hearts.

Gracious and Merciful God we thank you for making room for us at your table. We are grateful to be Your guests and servants. Feed all who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

O Holy One feed us until we want no more. Until we can say and believe that, ” The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.”

We Park and Pray at 1:11 pm

In our Savior’s name. Amen