Blessing of Bread for the World's New Office Space

Monday, March 7, 2011
(based on blessing service prepared by Margaret Mary Kimmins)

As we come to this new place, we dedicate ourselves in this space to be a Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.

As these new offices give us a clear view of the Capitol, confirm and strengthen our vision of our loving reign. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.  Amen.
 

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. 

Spirt of the living God, fall afresh on us.

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.

Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us,

Spirit of the living God. fall afresh on us.

God of all, we thank you and praise you for the power of your presence among us.  We thank you for the leadership to end hunger that is represented by those gathered here, and for the many and diverse gifts the contribute toward the achievement of your mission.  Be the hope that sustains and strengthens us.  Amen

Is not this the fast that I choose:
   to loose the bonds of injustice,
   to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
   and to break every yoke?
⁷ Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
   and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover them,
   and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

                                                                 Isaiah 58:6-7

If you offer your food to the hungry
   and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
   and your gloom be like the noonday.
¹¹ The Lord will guide you continually,
   and satisfy your needs in parched places,
   and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
   like a spring of water,
   whose waters never fail.
¹² Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
   you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
   the restorer of streets to live in.   

-Isaiah 58:10-12

We dedicate this room to be a place in which our faithful board members work toward furthering the vision of a world without hunger.

We dedicate this space as a hospitable connecting point in the network of relationships among Christian leaders, congregations, and members across the broad spectrum of the church.

We dedicate this space as a platform from which to speak with one voice in advocating for improved federal policies and programs for poor and hungry people.


 

We dedicate this space as the base from which informed advocates journey to Capitol Hill to speak truth to power.

We dedicate this space as the hub for Bread's grassroots network of organizers, activists, and congregations across the country.

We dedicate this space to be a center for study, analysis, research and education to further the understanding of issues that affect hungry and poor people. Loving God,  hear our prayer.

Prayer of Gratitude and Blessing
We pray in gratitude for all who partner with us.
We pray in gratitude for the board, staff, and members of  Bread.
We pray in gratitude for all who support Bread
We pray in gratitude for our Bread activists, Bless them, O God.

We pray in gratitude for this place. Bless this place, O God.

With grateful hearts, we pray a blessing.

May the Lord bless you; may the Lord bless this space;

May the Lord be present to you; May the Lord be present in this space;

May the Lord give you peace; May the Lord let peace reign in this space

The Lord bless you; the Lord bless this space. Amen!