We gather for World Communion Sunday in a world where women face restrictions to their freedom and threats to their bodies. Sexual intimidation and assault—against all genders—is used as a weapon of war and a means of establishing power. Survivors of sexual assault who dare to report are too often disbelieved, blamed for the “incident,” and otherwise demeaned.
This table is our prayer for all who suffer in silence and for all who dare to speak out.
God, lead us to a place of mutual respect and equality.
We gather for World Communion Sunday in a world where over 65 million people are displaced. The United States government is implementing policies to keep those in desperate need out of our country and many families have been separated at the border.
This table is our prayer that all will find welcome.
God, lead refugees to a place to call home.
We gather for World Communion Sunday in a world where millions have been affected by recent hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis—trying to manage life with no electricity, to connect with distant loved ones, to repair destroyed buildings, and to mourn the dead.
This table is our prayer that lives will be made whole.
God, send to those facing destruction peaceful skies, solid ground, and aid to rebuild.
We gather for World Communion Sunday in a world where more than 10 million people are incarcerated, with the United States having the world’s largest percentage of imprisoned people. A world where over 20 million people are enslaved.
This table is our prayer that all people will be free.
God, grant justice for those in prison and in slavery.
We gather for World Communion Sunday in a world where white supremacists are increasingly public in their hatred; in the US non-whites face systemic racism in education, housing, employment, and police treatment; in many European countries race-based anti immigrant sentiments are loudly proclaimed; while in Burma the Rohingya are being terrorized, driven from their homes, and killed.
This table is our prayer that racism and ethnic oppression will give way to justice.
God, change our systems; root out prejudice, let justice roll down like waters.
We gather for World Communion Sunday in a world where 72 countries outlaw same-sex intimacy—8 of which are United Nations member countries where same-sex relations are punishable by death; where violence is directed against LGBTQ people all over the world—some of it perpetrated by hateful individuals and much of it sanctioned by institutions and governments.
This table is our prayer that all love will be honored.
God, move communities and churches to embrace the bodies and love of our LGBTQ siblings.
So friends, let us gather around this table of respect, this table of welcome, this table of wholeness, this table of freedom, this table of justice, this table of love.
Let us gather around this table of God’s abundant provision where the last are first, the lowly are lifted up, and the hungry are filled with good things.
Let us gather in lament for the brokenness around us and within us.
Let us gather in hope for the fulfillment of God’s promises.
God, we pray for the holy transformation of our world. Amen.
More for World Communion Sunday:
Spacious Faith 