A liturgy for meandering through the market.
Father, thank you for the abundance of food around me.
From the street vendors who roll out dough to fry, to shops with sliced fruit packed for immediate consumption, and for drink carts that help satisfy that desire for a little something hot or cold.
Bless the hands of those who labor here, as they wake up early or work long nights, waiting for customers to arrive.
Dad, you see their labor just as you see mine.
May I be sensitive to you as I move through the market, with eyes open ready to engage with kindness and curiosity, as I marvel over their harvest or the skillful work of their hands.
Dad, you see their labor just as you see mine.
Cleanse me of any attitude of pride or self-importance as I engage with those who labor in markets. Help me to think well of them as we negotiate for the best price. All the while trusting you to meet my needs and theirs. Grant me the patience to see them as you do—people in need of grace, and perhaps a Shepherd, too.
Dad, you see their labor just as you see mine.
As I walk through streets lined with various goods and the smell of food fills the air, may my words and interactions with those who labor here be filled with salt and grace.
Amen.
