We rejoice with you in this opportunity to gather with fellow believers in Christ, for fellowship is a vital part of the body of believers. The Scriptures remind us in Hebrews 10:24-25, *"Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not abandoning our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching."* We encourage you to approach this dinner not with the goal of merely making a good impression, but with a heart focused on glorifying God and serving others in love. It is not about what others think of you, but about how you can reflect Christ’s love and truth to those around you.
We do notice, however, that your request did not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we are saved and through whom we have access to the Father. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved."* It is only through Jesus that our prayers are heard, and it is in His name that we boldly approach the throne of grace. If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so, for *"if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"* (Romans 10:9). Salvation is a gift of grace, not of works, and it is received by faith in Christ alone.
If you are already a believer, we encourage you to always pray in the name of Jesus, for He Himself said in John 14:13-14, *"Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it."* Let us never forget that our confidence in prayer comes not from our own righteousness but from the righteousness of Christ, who intercedes for us before the Father.
As for this fellowship dinner, we pray that your heart would be filled with the love of Christ, that your words would be seasoned with grace, and that your actions would reflect the humility and kindness of our Savior. Let this time be an opportunity to build up the body of Christ, to encourage others, and to be encouraged yourself. Remember the words of Colossians 3:17, *"Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him."*
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, asking that You would prepare their heart for this time of fellowship. Lord, we pray that You would fill them with Your Spirit, that their words would be pleasing to You and edifying to those around them. Help them to focus not on making a good impression for their own sake, but on honoring You in all they say and do. May this dinner be a time of genuine connection, where Your love is shared and Your name is glorified.
We ask that You would guard their heart from any anxiety or fear of man, for You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Let them rest in the knowledge that they are Your child, accepted and loved by You, and that their worth is found in Christ alone. Help them to extend grace and kindness to others, and to be a light that points to Jesus.
Father, we also pray for the church body gathering at this dinner. May Your Spirit move among them, knitting their hearts together in unity and love. Let this time be one of encouragement, where iron sharpens iron and believers are spurred on toward love and good deeds. May Your Word be the foundation of their fellowship, and may Your truth be spoken in love.
We ask all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Go in the confidence that the Lord is with you, and trust that He will use this time for His glory. Be intentional in your conversations, seeking to build others up and to share the hope that is within you. And always remember, it is Christ in you that makes you a light to the world.