All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly, ELW 461
Devotion
The text for today's hymn cannot be published due to copyright limitations. We apologize for the inconvenience.
All the verses of this hymn, but especially verse two, speak of the welcome extended to those who hunger but may not understand whence their hunger comes. Holy manna symbolizes the truth of God's gracious provision of living bread through which every stranger becomes an honored guest. The first line of each verse speaks of our common hunger, the second points to the underlying problem, the third offers the promise of God fulfilled, while the final line resolves in an invitation to the grace by which we taste the goodness of God and are satisfied.
The hymn points to the center of our proclamation of the good news of Christ. It is prophetic in pointing to the longing God-shaped hole of need in each of us; steadfast in expectation that God in Christ will fulfill of our every need; and trusting in the knowledge that we are not forsaken, never alone, always at rest inside the loving arms of God.
Prayer
Living Bread, our ground and goal, we gather at your feet, at your cross, at your table, because you draw all things to yourself. All glory and honor are yours, and we come offering only our empty beggar's hands and our faith that in you there is deliverance and peace. Amen.