Day 2 of 30
By Phil S from Mahabba's Network Team
Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!
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Daily verse
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Thought for the day
Generous hospitality
Jesus spent a lot of time in homes eating with ordinary people (eg in Bethany John 12:1-8) When he sent out the 12 apostles and then 72 disciples, he told them to eat with ordinary people and receive hospitality as part of their mission. (Luke 9:4 & 10:5-19)
Eating together breaks down barriers; people tell stories and share lives as they share food together.
Whilst Ramadan is all about fasting from dawn to dusk for Muslims, there is also the joy of breaking fast – iftar – at sunset. This is usually a shared public event. And an opportunity for 'us' to share with 'them' and become 'we'. There will be opportunities later to return the hospitality and invite your Muslim friends to your own table.
The Biblical word for hospitality is philo-xenia ‘kindness to strangers’. It is the opposite to xeno-phobia, ‘fear of the other’. As xenophobia seems to be on the increase in our country, let us come in the opposite spirit and practice hospitality (both giving and receiving), and have a go at ‘entertaining angels’.
Prayer for the day
Pray this Celtic prayer - BRIGIT’S FEAST
I should like a great lake of finest ale, for the King of Kings
I should like a table of the choicest food, for the family of heaven.
Let the ale be made from the fruits of faith, and the food be forgiving love.I should welcome the poor to my feast, for they are God’s children.
I should welcome the sick to my feast, for they are God’s joy.
Let the poor sit with Jesus at the highest place, and the sick dance with the angelsGod bless the poor, God bless the sick, and bless our human race.
God bless our food, God bless our drink, all homes, O God, embrace.
Daily action
Watch the video ('The British') and enjoy the diversity of both people and food, that we have in Britain. Find out about an Iftar meal in your area (put on by the mosque or as part of the BigIftar http://thebigiftar.org and resolve to attend.
Your turn
Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!