Introduction to the Mealtime Prayer

Meaning and significance:

is a common mealtime prayer, also known as the “Common Table Prayer”

The prayer expresses a desire for Jesus’ presence at the meal and a request for blessing upon the food. It acknowledges God as the source of the gifts and expresses gratitude for His provision. The phrase “Come, Lord Jesus” also anticipates the second coming of Christ, linking the mealtime with a larger sense of hope and longing for His return.

Origin and variations:

The prayer is of Lutheran origin and is widely used in various Christian denominations. While the core phrase “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blessed” remains consistent, there are slight variations in wording and additions in different families and traditions. Some families might add “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever” or other short prayers to the beginning or end of the prayer.

Pray:

“Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blessed”