Adapted from John 6 (NIV)

Leader: Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” They replied, “always give us this bread.”

People: We also want this True Bread that gives life.

Leader: Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.“

People: We believe, Jesus, that You are the Bread of Life and we receive this truth.

Leader: Then let us pray as we sing…

(John 6:32-34, NIV, adapted for liturgical use)

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Only the hungry search for bread.

Only the thirsty look for water.

This is a place for those who are hungry and thirsty in spirit.

Only those who ache for meaning will pursue it.

Only those who yearn for a deeper life will seek it.

This is a place for those who ache and yearn for something more.

So let us come here today with our hunger and thirst,

our unsatisfied longings, our heart-felt yearnings,

and let the God of life satisfy our souls.

Ann Siddall, Stillpoint Spirituality Centre

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God, you are my God. I earnestly seek you.

I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
I have seen you in your sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will life up my hands.

I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. 

Submitted by Austin D. Hill

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Adapted from Psalm 63:1, 3, 4, NRSV

ONE:

O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you;

my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

ALL:

Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.

I will bless you as long as I live.

I will lift up my hands and call on your name.

Lisa Degrenia

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Adapted from Psalm 42

Leader:  As the deer pants for streams of water,

                So my soul pants for you, oh God.

                My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

                When can I go and meet with God?

 People: My tears have been my food day and night,

                 While men say to me all day long,

                “Where is your God?”

                 These things I remember as I pour out my soul:

                 how I used to go with the multitude,

                 leading the procession to the house of God

                 with shouts of joy and thanksgiving

                 among the festive throng.

Leader:  Why are you downcast, O my soul?

                Why so disturbed within me?

                Put your hope in God,

                for I will yet praise him,

                my Savior and my God.

Adapted by Bud Thoreen

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Leader: When we are thirsty and dry

People: Fill us, O God

Leader: When we are lost and wandering

People: Find us, O God

Leader: When we are hungry and empty

People: Fill us, O God

Cody Sandahl

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Based on Isaiah 55

“Come,” says the Lord. “All you who are thirsty, come to the waters.”

“Come. Here there is bread and wine for your soul.”

“Come,” says the Lord, “come be my people, and I will be your God.”

We are your people. You are our God. Come, let us walk in the way of the Lord!  Let us worship God! 

Ellen Dawson