I DO NOT PRESUME

 

I do not presume to come to this your table, merciful Lord, trusting in my own righteousness, but in your manifold and great mercy ...

I am here. Lord, I am at your table ... now. Have you really prepared it for me ... with all the love and concern, as if for your most special guest?

But to presume your invitation ... I cannot, I dare not presume I am worth you. Lord.

 

I am not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table ...

Is this the place for me? I tremble and fear I am right ... as if I should be left alone to hide under the weight of your silence ...

 

But you are the same Lord, whose very nature is always to have mercy ...

As the sun has risen to shine and the rain was drawn to pour ... you were born to give, and you do no other ... and cannot leave me alone in my silence.

 

Grant me therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ and to drink His most precious blood.

Because of what you are, because of who I am, there is no other turn to take but accept your offer of sustenance ... here, now, at your table, in my heart. I am your most .special guest.

 

That my body may be made clean by your body and my blood be washed through by your blood and my soul come closer ...

Was there no other way, Lord, but to give me your body and your desire for me? I long for there to have been a different way ... perhaps ... we long for me to be different''

 

That I may evermore dwell in you and you in me.

Now one flesh, united we are together forever and I am of worth. As you make me.

Amen.

In your end I am different from my beginning.

 

Lin Gates