Widow’s Seat at the Table Devotional

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my grief…” – Psalm 23:5 (adapted, I replaced “enemies” with “grief” because that is our reality)

Reflection Prompts

1. What emotions do I feel when I sit down to a meal alone?

2. What’s one small thing I can do to create beauty at my table?

3. Who could I share food with this month (a neighbor, a friend, my kids, my mom)?

Devotional Thought

Even when the seat across from us is empty, God promises His presence at our table. Creating beauty in a meal—even something as simple as soup in your favorite bowl or lighting a candle—can be a small act of honoring the life and the journey we are blessed with, even if we are deeply grieving it.

Even when I am so sad, there are still things I can be grateful for. I can still smile at things. Gratitude and grief can sit side by side at the same table.

Like Jesus inviting His friends to “come and eat” (John 21:12), we are invited to meet God in our everyday meals. When we choose to set the table with intention, we remind ourselves that we are not alone.

Prayer Space

Write out a prayer inviting Jesus to your table today.

“Lord, even in the quiet of this meal, I know You are with me…”

Challenge Box

This week, take a picture of your meal space (with your soup, candle, or flower) and label it:

“Here, I am not alone.”

I would love to see your picture. Add it to my post about creating a table.