April 2012

Graces (continued from the March issue) It is sadly the case that not everyone has enough to eat. There are others who depend on a very repetitive diet. While God is not to blame for these deficiencies it is clearly very difficult to offer him enthusiastic thanks in such situations.

Some people have more than enough to eat but their greed leads them to be picky, and unable to suppress their disappointment when presented by 'second class' fare. Others are aware of the plight of the less well-off but see this as a confirmation that they have deserved and enjoy God's special favour.

The graces below reflect all of the above and more. They are taken from a small book entitled Prayers and Graces, a little book of extraordinary piety.* It was published in 1944 so perhaps it is not surprising that the emphasis is on spartan fare and a dissatisfaction with prevailing circumstances.

The first example is attributed to Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels and Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.

For rabbits young and rabbits old, For rabbits hot and rabbits cold, For rabbits tender, rabbits tough, We thank Thee, Lord; we've had enough.

The next is by that prolific author, Anon.

O lord, Who made these loaves and fishes, Look down upon these two poor dishes And though they be exceeding small, Make them enough, we pray, for all: For if they should our stomachs fill, Heav'n will have wrought a miracle.

The editor of the little book, A M Laing, penned the following: A BENISON ON WARTIME HIGH TEA Upon this scanty meal, O Lord, Bestow a blessing in accord: Pour Thy grace in measure small, Lest it more than cover all.

Continued overleaf.