Spirit Suppers

A few weekends ago, I attended an inter-faith conference where I picked up a few ideas to share with readers. One such idea came from a class titled "Spirit Suppers" also known as "Silent Suppers."

In short, a seat at the table -- the best seat -- was left open for a special guest. This could be an ancestor one wished to honor, a spiritual guide or even a deity. While the first few suggestions included pagan deities, someone mentioned, "Why not Jesus?"

Why not?

This concept isn't far from our Judaic roots. A Passover Seder tradition is leaving a special chair vacant for Elijah and invoking an invitation. The tradition in some families is that if a stranger shows up for dinner that night, it may be Elijah in disguise.

What if we invited Yeshua / Jesus to our suppers? After all, we are invited by Him to partake in His Supper.

Would we set aside the best seat? Would we offer Him the best food? Would every member of the family sit at the table at the same time?

Another aspect of spirit suppers can also be included in a supper with Christ. People turn to the seat and speak directly to the honored guest. While this may seem strange, talking to an empty chair has been used in other aspects of life, from talk-show hosts to therapists. 

What would you say to Yeshua / Jesus if He shared a meal with you? Would you sing His praises? Would you tell a funny joke? Would you share stories from your life?

Would you voice opinions about life, or events in your community or around the world? Would you include Him in the conversation with others at the table? Would you ask Him questions?

Would you just ask Him to pass the salt? Or would you ignore the seat completely?

Many Christians proclaim that Christ is at our side every moment. When we bring that into a more tangible aspect, it brings that home all the more.

Yes, Yeshua / Jesus is there whether we are sitting down to a big, crowded holiday dinner, chowing down on pizza in the midst of a busy schedule, or even when there is no funds for a meal at all. But when we acknowledge it by leaving a place for Him at the table, when we share our lives with Him, it makes His constant Presence more real to us.

Who will you invite to dinner?

Will there be a place for Him?

What will you say as He shares the meal?

~ESA