Pastoral Message – March 24, 2024
Holy Week Prayer Bread
We invite you to make bread as a family during Holy Week, to be shared as part of your meal on Maunday Thursday. As you bake, may the prayers at each step center you in God’s love and help you prepare for the coming of Christ. Don’t expect perfection, the important thing is that you have FUN! The receipt will make 2 small loaves so choose someone to give the additional loaf to such as an elderly neighbor or someone in need. Make sure to write a message to go with your bread.
Directions – Bread In A Bag
*Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
*In a resealable plastic bag, place 1 C flour, 3 tbsp sugar, 2-1/4 tsp yeast and 1 C warm water. Water should be 105-110°.
Pray: God, you created the world out of dust, shining light into the world. Just as you formed the earth, you shaped each of us in your image, taking different pieces and creating them into something beautiful. Amen.
*Squeeze air out of the bag and seal.
*Mix with your hands until well mixed together!
Pray: As you knead the dough, pray this centering prayer, “Be still and know that I am God.” After a few breaths, repeat the prayer again, each time saying one less word—“Be still and know that I am…”, “Be still and know that I…” until only silence is left. Amen.
*Let it rest for 10 minutes at room temperature. Bubbles will form.
Pray: God, we pray that you will help us to grow into the people you call us to be to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with you. Amen.
*Open the bag and put in 1 C flour, 3 tbsp olive or vegetable oil, and 1-1/2 tsp salt
Pray: God, you call us to be the salt of the earth. Help us to have courage and to bravely share your Good News. Amen.
*Seal bag again and squish until well blended.
Pray: God, give us the strength to let go of all that holds us back from you. Lead us to not cling to the ways of the world, but instead to hold fast to wisdom we find in you. Amen.
*Add the last cup of flour and continue mixing in the same manner until well blended.
Pray: God, we do not always see how you are at work in our lives. Your ways feel hidden from us. Help us to trust that you are always with us. Amen.
*Remove dough from the bag and put it onto a slightly floured surface.
Pray: God, help us to find peace in these days. As our lives change, guide us to breathe deeply and to pause, witnessing the gifts you have given us. Help us to encourage rest and reflection in this time. Amen.
*Knead for 5-10 minutes or until smooth. Divide dough in half and place each half into a greased mini loaf pan.
Pray: God, shape us into the people that you have created us to be. Help us to embrace the special gifts each of us have, not living in comparison. Mold us to be people of great kindness, grace, and compassion for one another and for ourselves. Amen.
*Cover with a towel and allow to rise for about 30 minutes.
Pray: God, in this Holy Week we await the Risen Christ. Christ lived, died, and rose again so that we might have new life in you. We give you thanks for the gift of life and for the salvation that is ours in Christ. Amen.
*Preheat oven to 375°. Bake for 25-20 minutes until bread is golden brown.
Pray: God, we pray for all those who are waiting to eat and for those who do not know where their next meal will come from. Sustain and nourish us, and help us to share with one another, that all may be fed. Amen.
*Carefully remove from oven and brush with melted butter (salt if desired)
Pray: God, you are the bread of heaven, the giver and redeemer of all life. In you, we are made one with the Body of Christ across the world. You proclaim to the world, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Bless this food, that as we eat of this bread and drink of the cup, we proclaim together your saving life. Amen.
