A Liturgy for Dinner With Friends

Lord, we gather together around a table, surrounded by friends that feel more like family,

Surrounded by foods that smell like a warm memory.

Dishes that have been readied with care and intentionality.

We’ve prepared, we’ve sautéed, we’ve set the table. And now we savor. 

May this provision be nourishment to our souls as much as it is to our bodies.

May these conversations speak of your goodness and echo your name.

May our laughter and camaraderie fill us with tidings of comfort and joy. 

And bid us a helping of cheer as we dwell in the company of friends. 

We thank you for these dishes that tell a story, for these flavors that delight our tastebuds, and for these smells that arouse in us a deep breath of contentment. 

It’s in meals like this with company like this that heaven invites itself around the table.

As we feast with friends, let us relish these moments that hint at heaven to come. 

Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let thy gifts to us be blessed.

Amen.