Gathering
Opening Prayer
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Amen.
Begin with brief check-ins and the opening questions below.
Opening Questions
How has it been practicing zimzum discipleship these past weeks? How have you found adding spiritual disciplines in your life, and what, if any, change have you noticed?
Content Watch Zimzum Discipleship #7 — Fellowship and Hospitality Around the Table. Online at: ecww.org/zimzum-discipleship/
Reflection Questions
- What did you make of today’s lesson on hospitality? What stuck out? What was one thing you may have considered for the first time today, or perhaps something you may have known but been reminded of?
- There are many stories about food and the table in Scripture, and +Phil mentioned a few of them. Which one is your favorite in Scripture, whether mentioned in the video or not? Why?
- Nora Gallagher tells the story of the priest at a mid-week Eucharist inviting the people there to move closer since he couldn’t do it by himself. Why do you think two or three are necessary to celebrate the Eucharist? What does this say about our theology? Have you had a time when you were in a small gathering for communion? What was that like?
- Celtic Christians focused in on radical hospitality, described by Pastor Chris Seay in the video. Why do you think those Christians made it an expectation to feed and shelter others in need? What might that mean for us today?
- How might you incorporate the spiritual practice of hospitality around the table in your own life?
Final Reflections
- What has captured your heart or your imagination in today’s discussion?
- Where have you seen God—or Love—recently?
- How might you intentionally make space in your life over the next 2-4 weeks to bring you closer to God?
Closing Prayers
Almighty God, place your love on dining tables and in cafeterias. In food prepared and places set, inspire people of various experiences to share love with one another. Make every table a welcome place rooted in the meal of Christ’s body and blood. Amen. Almighty and Eternal God, you sacrificially withdrew from a place within yourself in order to create the entirety of the cosmos so that you might be in relationship with us and all of creation. Help us to embrace zimzum discipleship and make space in our own lives, that we might more faithfully follow in the way of Jesus who gave of himself for the salvation and healing of the whole world. All this we ask in the name of the Risen Christ, who dwells endlessly with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.