A prayer of grace for Sunday dinner and of longing for communion

By Pastor Bernt

As a church in the time of “shelter-in-place” due to the coronavirus, we have entered new territory: we are not able to gather together for the Lord’s Supper.  Our national church has shared some helpful words on worship during this time, and a way to do Sunday worship in our own home.  FLC is hosting a Sunday morning Service of the Word online – click on the logo above to find the link.

Every time we say grace at a meal, it is – in a way – like saying thanks (Eucharist) at the Lord’s Table.  The God who gives us dinner and keeps us healthy is One with the Son whose body and blood are given for us and the Spirit who draws us together in love.

The following is a table grace incorporating Psalms 103 and 42.  It in no way replaces Holy Communion, but it’s an attempt to express both gratitude and a longing for the Lord’s table.

One person prays:

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—
who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live.

Those at the table may share personal reasons for gratitude.  Then, one prays:

Gracious God, we thank you for the gifts you set before us today.
We ask that you heal the sick, comfort those who are isolated, and protect us all.
Watch over your church. Bring us closer in communion with you.
Unite us with joy at the Supper of the Lamb.
As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and behold the face of God?

All together pray:

Our Father in Heaven …

(Thanks to Bishop Guy Erwin for suggestions which I tried to incorporate).