Hearts on Fire (A Communion Prayer)
For many years, one of my very favorite Scriptures has been the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). Today, I had the privilege of telling the story to the youngest at church and then offering them the cup when they came to take communion. I find it to be such a holy and beautiful act to be the one holding the cup and saying this is the cup of blessing. To see each person’s face as they are welcomed at Christ’s table fills me with such joy and peace.
This prayer is inspired by the Emmaus story and serving communion.
Loving God, you welcome us to your table. We come as those who know your story well and those who have just heard it. We run. We walk. We stay in our seats and are graciously served. In this bread and juice, we see Jesus. In the faces of those eating with us, we see Jesus. While eating the bread and drinking from the cup, we hope others see Jesus in us. We are grateful to be welcomed here as your children. May our welcome at other tables and spaces be just as generous. Like the faithful on the road to Emmaus, may our hearts be warmed by what happens in this space and may it feed us today and in the days to come. In the name of Jesus who gathers all of us at his table, we pray. Amen.
