Prayer at the Table: Last Supper

Here’s a prayer at the Table suitable for use on Maundy Thursday (or other occasion).  It was written by C. Robert Pearson.

Prayer at the Table

At the Passover meal, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Altar with thanksgiving.  Of the bread and wine he gave to his disciples, he said, "This is my body; this is my blood."  So it is that as often as we eat of this bread and drink of this cup, we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

P: Gracious God, we thank you for the grain of the field and the fruit of the vine. You enrich the earth with sunshine and rain.  We taste the goodness of your rich supply continually. You give strength for labor and skill for the ordering of our daily fare, that we may live and celebrate your care for us.

You have cared not only for our daily food but also for our spiritual well-being. At your word, we gather to receive the true body and blood of Christ, under the bread and wine, so that we fill our mouths and lives with the truth of your pardon, just as our ears already hear and know forgiveness in Christ.

Make us truly one loaf by this Meal of Thanksgiving. Teach us how to receive one another as one body. Through your love we know love. Help us to enfold those whom we call "neighbor, whether next door or far away. As a thankful people, we ask to see all people as worthy of sacramental and sacrificial care.When we fail to reflect the measure of your love, we return to your Table.  By your grace, we are made new again and take up all that which reflects your way.

May we never have reason to betray Jesus and the wealth of the meal of the High Table. When we are tempted so to do, strengthen us and direct our lives once more into your full service and kingdom.

Keep us going to those who live without bread and without your Holy Communion. Enable those newly-won to faith in Christ and his church to find ready place and refreshment at this Meal of meals. Sustain their faith. Open the eyes of their hearts to the wonder of your power and presence. Let the mystery of who you are be that which compels them to seek you this day and forever.  In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

~ written by C. Robert Pearson, and posted on the ELCIC Resource Archive on the Lift Up Your Hearts website.  http://www.worship.ca/