The Family Liturgy
Shared at the table before a meal with flowers in the centre and 3 candles to be lit.
Light the 1st Candle
Loving God,
Father and Mother of us all,
in the family life you have given to us,
You have offered us yourself.
Light the 2nd Candle
Your son lived with us
in all the uncertainty and darkness of life
so that we might walk in your light.
Light the 3rd Candle
And your Spirit is given to us,
as a light to guide our steps
and as a brightness of heart to signal welcome
to those who have found other doors closed.
Three candles shed one light:
(two of your children become one flesh);
many foods eaten build one body.
Within each one, Abba, you have planted a seed,
the seed of Christ that grows no matter how deeply buried;
the seed that becomes a tree in whose branches
All your children may come and rest.
Teach us to share, Abba, as your Son shared.
Teach us to be both Mary and Martha.
Teach us to know that we are your home.
Amen.
A Householder's Prayer/Grace
Jesus of the wedding feast,
of breakfast by the lake,
bless this food we have prepared
Blessed be God for daily bread