Gather: Feasting

All month we’ve practiced the habit of fasting. We’ve spent a lot of time thinking through how fasting can help remind us of our dependence on God, and all of the ways he continues to provide for and bless us. However, God also desires that we spend time enjoying his provisions and celebrating the gifts we’ve been given. As a result, it’s equally important to incorporate feasting into our habit of fasting. Traditionally, Sundays are celebrated as Feast Days during the season of Lent, as we move toward celebrating Easter. So, we’d encourage you to find a Sunday to practice this feast together, as you begin to wrap up the month of your fast, but any day when you and your friends meet to celebrate will work perfectly fine!

Collect

(5 MINUTES)

Y’all are preparing for a feast! It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but it should be something you love. Decide with your group ahead of time if you’re going to bring already prepared foods, or if you want the fun of making a meal together. Even if it’s as simple as a bunch of snacks like popcorn, candy, and a dozen donuts– collect the sorts of foods that you’d wanna enjoy during a feast. You might also want to plan to bring your own plates and silverware, to make everyone’s life and clean up a little easier.

Gather

(2 MINUTES)

Gather in a space that has plenty of room to prepare food and/or share a big meal with one another. Remember big doesn’t mean fancy or expensive. Work within your own budgets and schedules. Your school may have a place for FREE, or perhaps a church connection?

Appoint

(1 MINUTE)

Gather in a space that has plenty of room to prepare food and/or share a big meal with one another. Remember big doesn’t mean fancy or expensive. Work within your own budgets and schedules. Your school may have a place for FREE, or perhaps a church connection?

Pick a leader who can gather everyone for a quick Psalm and prayer to kick off your Feast to thank God for his presence in times of scarcity and times of abundance.

Pray

(5 MINUTES)

Leader:

A Prayer Before Feasting

God of the Harvest, our cups are overflowing. Be present as we celebrate the abundance of this meal. Your hand has guided the weather, the workers, and the wagons (er, trucks?), all in preparation for this moment. In times of scarcity, remind us of the promise of your provision. In times of plenty, give us spirits of generosity and eyes open to those in need. And, in every season, may we continually bless your faithfulness. Amen.

Let’s read this Psalm together

All: 

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,

    your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,

    your justice like the great deep.

    You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!

    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house;

    you give them drink from your river of delights.

For with you is the fountain of life;

    in your light we see light.

 Continue your love to those who know you,

    your righteousness to the upright in heart.

(Psalm 36:5-10)

Now eat!