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/
