Daily Devotion, August 20, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

Today in our worship services together, we will share in Communion. One of the things I love about our Wesleyan theology in The United Methodist Church is that we have an “open table,” meaning we welcome everyone to come and receive this meal. I often say, “This is not my table, this is not Christ’s Church table, this is not a United Methodist table, this is the Lord’s table.” And throughout his ministry, Jesus made it clear that God welcomes all into the kingdom.

So, it is a table of grace. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement, talked and wrote of this meal as being a “means of grace,” a way of receiving and knowing the grace of God.

I love receiving this meal as often as I can. I get to be reminded that Christ’s invitation goes out to all. I am reminded of my need to confess and repent of my sins and that God forgives me of them, no matter what they are. I am reminded to live my life in such a way as to say “Thank you” to God for this marvelous gift!

I hope you will join us this morning in worship. If at all possible, be with us in person. Let’s share this meal and celebrate our Lord together! And if you cannot be with us in person, join us online. Receive the gift of grace, then go and share it daily with everyone you can.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer your own prayer of thanksgiving to God for the amazing gift of grace.