The liturgy of setting the table: Around the table find community and restore your soul

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalms 23:5 (NIV)

I love a beautifully set table, one that invites you in, and when you arrive holds you tenderly while bidding you open up and breathe. During my first year in college, the image first came to me of a picture of a table beautifully set with all the delectable food and delicacies imaginable. This vision was the catalyst behind my table setting liturgy. The practice of setting a communal table—seeking out opportunities to intentionally dine with others, and carefully create a space to sit and nourish our body and souls.

The church has practiced this for thousands of years with the center of all beginning in the heart of God. He has been the one to set the table for us from the very beginning. Through Jesus he gave us the Eucharist, and has already told us he is preparing for us a feast to celebrate his return. It is His nature to set tables before us, and I love imitating this part of who He is. It is around that table where we enjoy new facets of who He is through the uniqueness of those sitting around the table.

When I look for Jesus’ practice of forming disciples, I find him sitting at the table and breaking bread. Jesus was very purposeful with this actions; he intentionally shared his rhythms of life and his perspective on the Kingdom of God with those around him. His life was to be a rehearsal for the life his disciples were to emulate.

Jesus did not turn away from those of low social class, low reputation, the outcast or notorious sinners. Jesus was intentional when he gathered people around the table. When we take a closer look at those he invited, we learn how to seek out deeper, Christ-centered relationships that grow our characters to be like that of Jesus.

“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.” (Matthew 9:10, NIV)

So, let’s:

Open the door

Welcome with a holy kiss

Set the table in prayer

Savor the smells with joy

Exhale fear

Sit down and really see them

Breath in their presence

The Holy before you

The sacredness of the table

Yours in kindness and grace

I am convinced now more than ever that tables are places of grace, sacred spaces of sustenance that infuse us with life, and make hospitality a faithful practice. The new believers were going through trying times and it was at the table, in the presence of Jesus, that together they found healing for their brokenness in the breaking of bread.

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:46-47, NIV)

I urge you, please, accept this invitation. Gather. Feast on His word, and create space for souls to be nurtured as we break bread and encounter the Bread of Life. I pray that the liturgy of setting the table will help us live a life whose rhythms point us back to the heart of God. I have seen the healing, the mending of hearts, the burdens feel lighter, and the Lord's goodness follow us around the table. I have experienced community come alive, friendships deepen, and hearts become more in love with the Lord around the table.

So, I want to encourage you to bravely set the table. I believe that we know Jesus more intimately when we know each other well.

A breath prayer for when you set the table

Inhale: Jesus meet us here

Exhale: Transform us as we break bread today

Prompts for reflection or journaling

Let’s examine our hearts together.

Can you think of a time where you felt connected and growing in your faith community?

What was one of your favorite parts of that time?

What do you feel is holding you back from thriving in community right now?

What brave next step can you take to open yourself up to thriving in your community today?

Continue your devotion with a daily practice in the Dawn app

Get the Wake up Call email for weekly mindful faith inspiration