Psalm 107: 8-9 (NIVUK)

8 

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind,

9 

for he satisfies the thirsty
    and fills the hungry with good things.

Families are queued at a food bank. Two women, Miriam and Nataliya are talking while their children play together. A third woman, Katie, stands behind them. 

Nataliya: I wonder what they will have today. People are very kind. But do you ever get tired of tins and packets? I used to have an allotment. Almost everyone back home grows at least a little of their own food, especially since the war. 

Miriam: It isn’t easy to grow anything when there are bombs falling. Praise God we don’t have to worry about that here. 

Nataliya: Yes, of course, I don’t mean to be ungrateful. It is good not to be hungry.

Miriam: Or thirsty. Ali has his own water bottle. Imagine that! Cold water anytime he wants it. (Pause, then a little sadly) I miss the smell of saffron sometimes. And I think I have forgotten what a real tomato tastes like. 

Katie: I cannae thole tomatoes. They give me gas. 

(There is a surprised pause, then all three women laugh) 

Miriam: It’s better if you cook them. 

Katie: Oh aye? But I can only eat so much bolognaise. Got any good recipes? Nothin’ too spicy, mind…

(The women exchange recipe ideas and jokes as the queue moves forward.)

Prayer:

Steadfast Lord

We need good things. 

Like food

And water

And laughter

And friendship 

Fill us. 

Fill all of us. 

Amen 

Written by

Rhona Cathcart