The Best Supper © Jan L. Richardson
This Sunday is World Communion Sunday. Established by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1936 and originally called World Wide Communion Sunday, this day beckons us to be mindful that when we gather at the table, we celebrate not only with those present but also with sisters and brothers around the world.
The artwork above is a piece called The Best Supper. Inspired by the image of Wisdom’s Feast in Proverbs 9, this piece evokes the myriad meals that have fed me in body and soul. As I created this image, I was visited by memories of so many of the tables where I have found hospitality. Those memories are embedded among the pieces of this collage. Circling the table once again, I capture glimpses of those with whom I shared those sacred meals. I remember how we savored every scrap, how we lingered long after the last bite was consumed.
Table Blessing
To your table
you bid us come.
You have set the places,
you have poured the wine,
and there is always room,
you say,
for one more.And so we come.
From the streets
and from the alleys
we come.From the deserts
and from the hills
we come.From the ravages of poverty
and from the palaces of privilege
we come.Running,
limping,
carried,
we come.We are bloodied with our wars,
we are wearied with our wounds,
we carry our dead within us,
and we reckon with their ghosts.We hold the seeds of healing,
we dream of a new creation,
we know the things
that make for peace,
and we struggle to give them wings.And yet, to your table
we come.
Hungering for your bread,
we come;
thirsting for your wine,
we come;
singing your song
in every language,
speaking your name
in every tongue,
in conflict and in communion,
in discord and in desire,
we come,
O God of Wisdom,
we come
Prayer © Jan L. Richardson from In Wisdom’s Path: Discovering the Sacred in Every Season.
Update: Thanks to everyone who has requested permission to use this blessing or “The Best Supper” artwork. For worship services and related settings, you are welcome to use the blessing without requesting permission; all that’s needed is to include a line with this info:
© Jan L. Richardson. janrichardson.com
To use “The Best Supper” image, please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Painted Prayerbook possible. Thank you!
Prints of The Best Supper and other images are available by visiting the Art Prints page at janrichardson.com. We have greeting cards, too!
September 29, 2009 at 8:38 PM |
Hi Jan,
I would like to read your poem as part of my meditation this Sunday at
Waterloo Kitchener United Mennonite Church. I would, of course, credit your
authorship.
Do I have permission to do this?
Nancy
September 29, 2009 at 10:35 PM |
Hi, Nancy–
Absolutely! I’d be delighted for you to do this, thanks. Blessings as you prepare for worship.
Peace,
Jan
September 30, 2009 at 10:16 AM |
Jan,
I too would like to use your poem as part of our Worship Service this Sunday at Stinson UMC in southern WV. I will, of course, proudly footnote your creativity if you will offer me your permission.
Grace and Peace,
Scott
September 30, 2009 at 10:38 AM |
Thanks, Scott—I’d be happy for you to use this on Sunday–many thanks. If there’s anybody else who would like to use this poem/prayer, please feel free. If you use it in printed form, thanks for including this line at the end of it:
© Jan L. Richardson, In Wisdom’s Path: Discovering the Sacred in Every Season
Blessings to everyone who’s preparing for worship on Sunday!
September 30, 2009 at 11:50 PM |
Greetings Jan!
What a gift you have given us! This poem is a blessing. Like others, I’m preparing for worship this Sunday. I’d like to use your poem in our Progressive Christian Worship Service on the campus of St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York. As others have mentioned, I will of course credit your authorship as well.
Is that ok?
Peace to you,
Shaun
October 1, 2009 at 12:03 AM |
Thanks, Shaun! Yes—I’d be delighted for you to do this. Many blessings to you and your community.
October 1, 2009 at 4:59 PM |
Hello Jan,
I have just stumbled upon this web site and am inspired by your poem.
I am requesting permission to use it as a call the the Table this year or next year for Holy Communion at Oak Bank United Church in Manitoba, Canada.
Your work will be attributed. Thank you and blessings, Alberta
October 1, 2009 at 5:46 PM |
Many thanks, Alberta! I’m pleased for you to use this. Many blessings to you.
October 1, 2009 at 7:22 PM |
I, like the others who have sought your permission to use this poem, find it quite moving. I am at Ocean Avenue Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, and will of course attribute it to you.
Blessings,
Susan
October 1, 2009 at 11:10 PM |
Thanks so much, Susan. Blessings to you.
October 2, 2009 at 5:02 AM |
Dear Jan,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem and what appears to be a collage with the world. I am seeking permission to share your poem with others as I speak. I wish to read the poem and show the collage at Stephen Minister worship and Food Pantry volunteer training at Arborlawn United Methodist Church on Sunday, October 4, 2009. I would like to refer to the poem and collage thereafter to remind volunteers about what they are really doing as they work in the Food Pantry. I will be certain to give credit to you.
Continue in all God’s work.
Judy Ruth Williamson
October 2, 2009 at 10:02 AM |
Many thanks, Judy Ruth. I’m pleased for you to use the poem and collage in this way.
For anyone who would like to use the image “The Best Supper” in worship or a related setting—for instance, on a worship bulletin or projected during a service—I welcome you to visit janrichardsonimages.com, a website designed to make my artwork easily accessible for use in worship, education, etc. Your use of this website is a crucial form of patronage that helps make my ministry, including this blog, possible. Thank you!
October 2, 2009 at 5:21 PM |
Jan,
I too would like to use your poem this Sunday. Your Poem is beautiful, and captures the essence of World Communion so well. I would like to use it as an invitation to the table at the beginning of Holy Communion also. Thank you for your generosity and your creative gift. Blessings, Karen
October 2, 2009 at 10:53 PM |
Thank you, Karen! I’m grateful for your words—they are manna on my path. Blessings to you and your congregation as you celebrate World Communion Sunday and beyond.
October 3, 2009 at 12:06 PM |
Jan, love the poem! We would like to use this tomorrow. We will most like make it a responsive reading. How beautiful. You are a blessing. Lisa
October 3, 2009 at 12:16 PM |
Thanks very kindly, Lisa! Have a wondrous Sunday.
October 3, 2009 at 2:12 PM |
This is a wonderful poem I would like to use at Community Baptist Church this Sunday, with your permission. All of your work is so wonderful!
October 3, 2009 at 3:14 PM |
Many thanks, Barbara! I’m delighted for you to use the poem. Blessings to you and the folks of Community Baptist.
October 3, 2009 at 10:23 PM |
Hi Jan. This is a beautiful prayer. I would like your permission to use it in our service tomorrow at St. Andrews /St. James Presbyterian churches in Tisdale and Melfort Saskatchewan Canada.
Blessings to you!!!
David
October 3, 2009 at 11:12 PM |
Many kind thanks, David. Yes—I’m pleased for you to use this in worship. Many blessings to you and the folks of St. Andrews/St. James as you celebrate tomorrow.
September 22, 2010 at 1:38 PM |
Hi Jan, Amazing prayer. I would like to use it for World Communion Sunday at our church here in Columbus, and for a conference we UMs are having in West Ohio on Covenant in the Midst of Conflict.
Two of your classmates are in my congregation: Ed and Dee Stickley-Miner. They are always happy when I cite you in my sermons!!
September 22, 2010 at 5:31 PM |
Thanks so much, Patricia! I would be delighted for you to use the prayer in your upcoming service and conference—that’s lovely. Thanks for including this:
© Jan L. Richardson, In Wisdom’s Path: Discovering the Sacred in Every Season
How fun to hear word of Dee and Ed. Please give them my greetings.
Thank you again, and many blessings to you!
September 23, 2010 at 11:17 AM |
Hello Jan,
I love your prayer and would like permission to use it in our World Communion service next weekend at Jerusalem United Church of Christ in Palmerton, PA.
Thank you for the beauty you see and share.
September 23, 2010 at 3:06 PM |
Hi, Sharon—
Many kind thanks! I’d be delighted for you to use the prayer. Many blessings to you and your congregation as the World Communion service approaches. And thanks for your splendid blog—I am pleased to make its acquaintance!
Peace,
Jan
September 24, 2010 at 2:04 PM |
thank you for the beautiful poem. I plan to use it at our October 3 World Communion Sunday service. We are United in Faith Church, a federated congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Church of Christ. I appreciate your art and your writing.
September 26, 2010 at 10:37 AM |
Many thanks, Marilyn! Blessings to you and all the folks of United in Faith Church.
September 26, 2010 at 9:29 AM |
Dear Jan, Such a beautiful prayer, I would like permission to print and use it in my service next weekend for World Communion Sunday.
September 26, 2010 at 10:36 AM |
Thanks very much, Suzanne! I’d be pleased for you to use the prayer—that’s lovely. I’m happy for anyone to make use of it—no need to ask permission, though it’s always great to hear where the prayer finds its way—all that’s needed is to include the credit line (© Jan L. Richardson, In Wisdom’s Path: Discovering the Sacred in Every Season). Blessings to you and your church as you celebrate World Communion Sunday. Thank you again.
September 28, 2010 at 1:27 PM |
Hello Jan,
What they said! The poem is gorgeous. I’d like to use it for worship this Sunday at my church in upstate NY.
Peace,
Mags
September 29, 2010 at 10:34 PM |
Many kind thanks, Mags! I am grateful. Blessings and peace to you and your congregation.
September 28, 2010 at 1:46 PM |
Hello Jan,
Count me among those who would like very much to use your poem/prayer in worship, with full attribution, of course. For what it’s worth, that means two small congregations in southern Vermont (UCC). no need to reply, as you have already given that permission … just wanted you to know.
with gratitude,
Susie
September 29, 2010 at 10:32 PM |
Thank you, Susie! That’s lovely—and worth a lot to me. Bless you.
September 28, 2010 at 4:30 PM |
Jan: I’d like to use your prayer this Sunday for Worldwide Communion at St. Andrew’s United Church in North Vancouver. Marianna Harris
September 29, 2010 at 10:31 PM |
Many thanks, Marianna! A blessed World Communion Sunday to you and the folks of St. Andrew’s.
September 29, 2010 at 4:55 PM |
I would like permission to use your poem for World Wide Communion Sunday, Oct 3.
Thank You,
Becky
September 29, 2010 at 10:28 PM |
Thanks, Becky! I’m pleased for you to use this. Blessings to you.
September 30, 2010 at 6:41 PM |
Thanks for your powerful work, Jan! I’m going to use the image and ask the kids in the children’s sermon to compare it to a classical Last Supper piece. Hopefully, they’ll see that people are around the table, multi-ethnic, gender inclusive, etc., and then we’ll talk about how big God’s table is. Thanks for a great teaching tool!
October 3, 2010 at 2:50 PM |
Thanks so much, Bridget! Hope you and your congregation had a splendid World Communion Sunday. Thank you for being in touch. Blessings to you.
October 3, 2010 at 12:19 AM |
Hi Jan,
thanks as always for this website. I hope it will be ok to use your poem on this Sunday as part of worship. I know I know…that means tomorrow, almost today as it is late on Saturday. I will give credit to you (it seems I fairly often mention your name as a resource). I hope to have your blessing on using this poem.
I’m still in final planning stages, and didn’t realize until tonight that it is World Communion Sunday, and want to include a reflection on that.
Peace to you,
Pastor Kris Garey
October 3, 2010 at 2:50 PM |
Thanks, Kris! I’m on the road and just received your lovely comment. I’m happy for anyone to use the poem in worship, no permission needed; all that’s needed is to include the credit line. Hope you and your congregation had a good World Communion Sunday. Thank you again, and many blessings!
September 21, 2011 at 8:44 AM |
Jan – I am hoping to use this prayer in worship at the Meridian Street United Methodist Church on October 2, 2011 with credit to you printed in the bulletin. It is beautiful and just right for the service we are planning. Thank you for your creativity and the many ways your writing has influenced my ministry over the years.
September 22, 2011 at 11:36 AM |
Thank you, Anne—that’s lovely, and I’m delighted for you to use it. Many blessings as you prepare for World Communion Sunday.
September 26, 2011 at 5:51 AM |
Jan, may I borrow your prayer for this Sunday at the Holmesville Church of the Brethren? It is beautifully written.
September 26, 2011 at 12:06 PM |
Thanks, Mary Beth! I’m delighted for you to use the prayer. Anyone is welcome to use it in worship—all that’s needed is to include this brief credit line:
© Jan L. Richardson, In Wisdom’s Path: Discovering the Sacred in Every Season. janrichardson.com
Thank you again, and blessings to you and your congregation!
September 26, 2011 at 6:03 PM |
Hi Jan,
I would love to use your poem in this Sunday’s service. Would you permit me to use it please.
blessings
Arii
September 26, 2011 at 6:11 PM |
Hi, Arii—Sure, I’d be pleased for you to use the poem, thank you! All you need to do is include the credit line. Many blessings to you and your church as you celebrate this Sunday! Thanks again.
September 29, 2011 at 12:45 PM |
Jan,
A long line of requests. I too would like to use this on Sunday.
Do I have permission?
Nancy
September 29, 2011 at 12:56 PM |
Thanks, Nancy! Yes—anyone’s welcome to use the poem in worship, all that’s needed is to include a credit line. Blessings to you and your congregation!
September 30, 2011 at 2:40 PM |
Again, permission, please, Jan. There are three churches served by my partner and myself. We would like permission for all three World Communion Services. Thanks. And, thanks, too, for your art work and your ministry of sharing so many wonderful ideas.
Shalom
Carole
September 30, 2011 at 3:58 PM |
Hi, Carol—many thanks for your words. Happy for you to use the poem! Have a wonderful World Communion Sunday. Blessings.
July 16, 2012 at 9:43 AM |
Dear Jan;
I just discovered your wonderful prayer! May I use it at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Pittsboro, NC on August 19, 2012?
peace, Karen Ladd
July 16, 2012 at 11:46 AM |
Thank you, Karen! Yes, I’d be delighted for you to use the prayer. If it appears in printed form, thanks for including a brief credit line:
© Jan L. Richardson, In Wisdom’s Path: Discovering the Sacred in Every Season. janrichardson.com
Thanks again, and many blessings to you in these summer days!
September 30, 2012 at 5:44 PM |
Beautiful, Jan. Thank you.
October 2, 2012 at 12:53 PM |
Many thanks, Bob!
October 1, 2012 at 1:20 PM |
Dear Jan,
I so appreciate your beautiful art – I love the circular table and your words. We will be celebrating World Communion this Sunday, October 7, at Covenant Church in Houston, TX. We would like to use your prayer as a unison opening prayer.
In thanksgiving for your work,
Laura Mayo
October 2, 2012 at 12:57 PM |
Many kind thanks, Laura. I’m delighted for you to use the prayer—that’s lovely. If it’s printed, thanks for including a line that incorporates this info:
© Jan L. Richardson. janrichardson.com
Thank you again! I wish you and your congregation many blessings as you celebrate World Communion Sunday.
October 3, 2012 at 5:12 PM |
I am another pastor who would like to use your beautiful prayer in our World Communion Sunday worship. May I have your persmission? – blessings.
October 3, 2012 at 5:26 PM |
Thanks, Janice! Yes, very happy for you to use it. Blessings to you and yours as you celebrate World Communion Sunday.
October 4, 2012 at 12:02 AM |
May I use this wonderful prayer as part of my sermon on Sunday? With acknowledgement, of course. Rev. Dcn. Linda Hale
October 4, 2012 at 11:01 AM |
Thanks, Linda! I’m very pleased for you to use it this Sunday. Blessings to you and those you worship with.
October 2, 2013 at 2:12 PM |
Hello Jan,
I wanted to thank you for such a wonderful, spirit filled poem and artwork.
May we have your permission to read this poem and include the table graphic you created with acknowledgement in our bulletin at this Sunday’s World Communion Service?
Many thanks for your consideration!
October 3, 2013 at 10:11 AM |
Hi, Stephanie–
Thanks so much! I’d be delighted for you to use the poem this Sunday. I’d be very happy for you to use the image as well. You can purchase a download of it here:
http://www.janrichardsonimages.com/details.php?gid=61&pid=138
Thanks for including a line with this info for the blessing and artwork:
© Jan L. Richardson. janrichardson.com
Please let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything I can be helpful with. Many blessings, and thank you again!
October 5, 2013 at 10:47 PM |
Thank you for your poems.
I would like to use your poem as our communion prayer at our service tomorrow at First Christian Church, Lincoln NE. I will give you credit.
October 2, 2015 at 12:46 PM |
Love your work; love your ministry. Would love to use this Sunday 10/4/2015 at the church I serve, Safe Haven United Church of Christ in Queens, NY…blessings
October 3, 2015 at 6:27 PM |
Thanks so much, Ruby! I would be delighted for you to use this blessing this Sunday. Many blessings to you and your congregation!
January 4, 2017 at 6:06 PM |
Jan I love your work, may God continue to use you. I am going to use your poem tomorrow, for early Holy Communion Service
June 5, 2017 at 10:05 AM |
yesterday, June 4 2017, the Day of Pentecost, is the first time i experienced visio divina through our mentor, spiritual leader and pastor… i was looking for more images to reflect on when God brought me here today… i am so blessed to have found your reflection on the best supper…
thank you… for sharing your art and love for God… may you bless even more souls to see how vast God’s love is for all of us through your art :)
September 22, 2020 at 1:07 PM |
Thank-you for your rich writing offered generously to those of us who seek fresh words for long celebrated ritual moments. I would like to be able to use the words of Table Blessing on October 04th, 2020 as an invitation to Communion please.
October 1, 2020 at 10:52 PM |
Thank you kindly, Jim! I am grateful for your words, and I’m delighted for you to use this blessing. Many blessings to you and your congregation in these days.
October 1, 2022 at 12:43 PM |
Jan,
I am always so grateful for your gift of expression. Your words have a depth of warmth and truth that touch so many hearts. I would love to read this table blessing as part of our World Communion Sunday liturgy. If this is okay with you, Dennis Union Church in MA will relish the invitation and blessings of this service punctuated with your words.
October 1, 2022 at 11:34 PM |
Nancy, thank you so much! Your words are a gift, and I am delighted for you to share this blessing. Many blessings to you and everyone at Dennis Union Church.