I recently watched a movie titled Seven Days in Utopia primarily because it starred Robert Duvall. Duvall is one of my favorite actors and his roles in movies such as Open Range, Phenomena, and Secondhand Lions are classic. I knew nothing of the story told in the movie, only that Duvall movies are solid entertainment and usually have a message.
Toward the end of the movie Duvall sits at the head of the table with a group of friends for an evening meal. Before eating he recites a blessing that stuck with me and is one that as Americans, we should all say each day.
“For food in a world where many walk in hunger,
For faith in a world where many walk in fear,
For friends in a world where many walk alone,
We give you thanks, O Lord, Amen”
I was impressed with this simple but powerful blessing enough to look it up and find the source. The author is unknown and perhaps this is fitting. This blessing shows up in thousands of references, most often in reference to world hunger.
In the coming months, maybe years, as the cumulative effects of world events begin to press on each of us this is a good prayer to remember. This will also be a time when we see others in need and reaching out to them will be a powerful message about our unity and faith as a Nation.
