RW 241, “A Place at the Table”
Devotion
Who has a place at your table? With whom do you share the bounty of creation evidenced in freshly-baked bread, just-picked sweet corn, Grandpa’s greens or Grandma’s oatmeal cookies or an appetizer of hummus and tabouli?
In the hymn “A Place at the Table,” Shirley Erena Murray reminds us that there is a place at God’s table “for everyone born, for woman and man, for young and for old, for just and unjust.” Who is at your table – the just and unjust? The young and the old? Women and men? Family and strangers? Friends and enemies?
At God’s table, there is a place for everyone born, regardless of gender, age, education, propriety or politics. At this table there is always plenty of space and plenty to eat. At this table the Host welcomes all of us, feeds us with forgiveness and sends us out to be co-creators with him of justice and joy.
Prayer
Inviting God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus, your son. Look with compassion on the whole human family, break down the walls that separate us and unite us as we eat at your table, that we may create here a community of justice and joy. Amen. (LBW #176, 177, rev.)