Written specifically for sharing during a re-enactment of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, this prayer might be used at other communion services throughout the year.
Out of the chaos, O God, you spoke and order came.
Out of the nothingness, your hand touched dirt and water and we were formed.
Out of your creative imagination came forth soil and seed, stalk and vine, winged creatures and swarming things.
And out of your love for all that you made, came the Word, flesh and dwelling among; came the Light, brightly shining; came the One who embodied hope and healing and wholeness.
Out of your radical love for that which you have made, we prepare this day to gather at the family table.
We prepare heart and mind and soul to gather where you are our host. We come on this day of Holy remembrance to break the bread and to share the cup.
We come out of the chaos and brokenness that we have made out of that which you ordered.
Tonight we come confessing our neglect of that which you have made; our “dis-ordering” of your wholeness; our inhospitality of those who are our brothers and sisters, people made as much in your image as we.
And you welcome us.
You welcome us to a table where love is made known….
You welcome us to eat and drink.
You welcome us to eat from the grain of your fields and the fruit of your vines.
You welcome us – disordered and disoriented and disconnected – broken and bitter
You welcome us, O Holy One.
And so our prayer this day, as we prepare to eat, drink and remember,
is that we in turn might find the courage and the strength and the passion-filled desire to in turn welcome someone;
to in turn extend a glimpse of your radical hospitality,
starting with just one person in order that by your grace and through the nourishment of your table,
we might begin reordering the brokenness, reigniting the extinguished lights,
and bringing a measure of wholeness to a broken and fragmented world.
In our chaos O God, we pray this day that we will listen and hear you speak.
Amen.
Anonymous. This devotion was made possible by giving to the Disciples Mission Fund and the Easter Offering, Communication Ministries, PO Box 1986, Indianapolis IN 46204 USA
