In the introduction of the book, Sleeping with Bread, by Fr. Matthew Linn, we read the story about children who survived bombing raids in World War II. Orphaned and starving they were rescued and placed in refugee camps. Many of these children suffered from night terrors or could not even sleep for fear of waking up and being again homeless and hungry. Someone thought of “giving each child a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. With that bit of bread in their little hands,” these children could finally sleep in peace, secure that they would eat tomorrow. The bread reminded them, “Today I ate, and I will eat again tomorrow.”

What is bread for you? What brings you life? What, when absent, leaves your feeling hungry or homeless or even hopeless? For many, prayer is the life-giving bread, which gives life and hope, a place in which to belong and have our being. Prayer draws us closer to the heart of God and by being open to the presence of God in the ordinary moments of our day, we are fed and nourished and able to nourish others. Prayer is a gift from God to us, connecting us to the holy and to each other.

Throughout the week, hold in your heart your own desire for “bread,” and nurture that desire to be fed with a sense of meaning, purpose and a deeper connection with God.

Blessings,

Mary Tumulty

Pastor of Adult Discipleship and Liturgical Worship

at First Methodist Conroe