BREAKING BREAD IN A NOISY CITY

L: To the God of life

E: WE LIFT OUR HEARTS IN PRAISE.

L: In a city of a thousand strands, in markets, laden with the
Scents and sounds of God’s rainbow people, we meet the
Creator and discover the mark of God in both stranger and
Friend. O God of many names, you are both mother and
Father to us all, uniting the people of the city as sisters and
Brothers. On the crowded bus, in the heaving shops, in the
Collage of minarets and spires we discover Your Kingdom
Afresh and see Your face in back alleys and dusty corners.

E: SPIRIT OF FREEDOM, LEAD US INTO YOUR KINGDOM.

L: In a city of forgotten people and lost stories help us to listen
For Your Good News amongst those left out or left behind in
The busy rush. Teach us, like Jeremiah to pray for the city,
For it is here that we make our home and learn of You. Just
As your prophets challenged the king makers who enjoyed
The wealth of Jerusalem, but oppressed the poor, grant us
The courage to work for justice in our city, that this might be
A place of welcome, peace and justice for all. When we are
Tempted to bow before the altar of money, give us courage
Like Daniel to place faith at the heart of our community.

E: SPIRIT OF TRUTH, OPEN OUR EYES TO YOUR GOSPEL.

L: Amidst the clamouring voices and the noise of our city
Grant us peace and space to listen for your small voice.
And as we listen fill our hearts with an image of Your Son
Jesus who embraces us as a brother and throws his arms
Wide to welcome us all. In the noise and in the silence, in
The traffic and at home on our own fill us with a sense of
His liberating presence, as we share food and as we sit alone.

E: SPIRIT OF GOD, OPEN OUR HEARTS TO OUR LORD.

L: The city was crowded with people from across the globe,
The faithful gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover:
The festival of freedom. Jesus and his friends hired a room
Above a busy street, and there they shared a last meal
Together. In the quiet of the night Jesus broke a piece
Of unleavened bread: He meets the needs of a hungry city.
‘This is my body’, he said ‘Eat together and know I am at
Your side.’ When everyone had finished eat Jesus passed
Round a cup of Passover wine: He quenches our thirst as
We search for a holy city. ‘This is my blood’, he said. ‘Drink
Everyone. I have come to set you free.’

E: WE EAT, WE DRINK. GOD IS WITH US. ALLELUIA.

L: The bread, which we share, is the work of many hands.
As we break it, we remember those in our city whose lives
Are broken for others.

E: OUR BROKEN LORD COMES THAT WE MIGHT BE WHOLE.