9-July-23 (Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30)

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."  As we come to the Table it's time to lay down those heavy burdens we've been dragging through our lives.  Lay down the pride that's kept us from praying kindly for those who aren't kind to us.  Lay down the arguments we used to ignore pain and suffering we saw.  Lay down need for others to serve us.  Lay down words and the silence that have hurt those around us.  Lay down the narrowness of vision that keeps us from seeing God at work and allowing God to work in us. Let us pray.

Prayer:

God of us all, We thank you that you that you welcome us to the Table, having opened the way to us.  As we come, pour your Spirit into us, that there might be no room left for the things that contradict your grace.  Open our hearts and minds to you and to these others that gather with us.  Thank you for these symbols of bread and cup that remind us of how much you gave to make it possible for us to be here together. In Jesus name, AMEN.