Prayer of Gathering

In arrogance and abasement, in shame and guilt, we come to you, O God. We are empty from our labors, so we come to be filled by your bounty. We are isolated, so we come to be opened up by the vision of your new creation. We come from our separate tables to your table where all are welcome. Preside now at your table and fill us with your love and your life. AMEN.

Prayer of Unity

O God, Just as you heard the cry of your people Israel in ancient times, so hear us now as we give voice to our own petitions. Hear us as we remember the people who are not at this table, so they can be fed by the providential mercy of your own hands. For our families, for those we struggle with and against, for the homeless, the frail, the weak and the suffering....

(People's petitions)

Hold all of these in your special care as you draw us into the table of your heavenly banquet. In the name of Jesus, our President and Friend. AMEN

Prayer of Thanks

O God, our Creator, for our lives we give you thanks.
O God, our Redeemer, for our salvation we give you thanks.
O God, our Wisdom, for the light of your Truth we give you thanks.

When we were children you urged us on to maturity. When we were fearful you gave us resurrection hope. When we were discouraged you gave us the song of victory.
We asked only for bread and you gave us your Life. We asked only for drink and you poured out your Spirit. We asked only for justice and you gave us your Peace. In creation, in exodus, in Jesus and in all your saints You have been faithful to us. Now, in this meal of memory and hope help us to renew our faithfulness to you.

Act of Consecration

At his last Seder Jesus tasted the salt and bitter herbs of Exodus memory and then he took the bread of God's nurture and said

(All) "This is my body."

When the meal was ended he took the cup of renewed covenant and said,

(All) "This is my blood,"

Acclamation/Anamnesis: "When we Eat this bread..."

The Sharing

Partake of this body, broken for us to begin a new creation. It is God's love, given for hungry people.

(Words of Giving) "Receive the Love of God"

This is indeed the blood of the renewed covenant, shed for many for the forgiveness of sins. Let us drink of this cup in anticipation of his coming again.

(Words of Giving) "Receive the Promises of God,"

The Prayer of Anticipation

O God, you have inaugurated a new creation through the self-giving of your own life. Receive now our gratitude. Redeem us from the sin and guilt your love illuminates. Continue now to feed us with your Life and your Spirit. Help us to drink deep from the fountain of your promises even as we share your bounty with others. In the name of our host and friend -- who presides over our future -- Jesus Christ. AMEN.

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