“Gary Burke has written a helpful book for lay leaders who deliver meditations to prepare a congregation to partake of the Lord’s Supper. It treats questions such as, What is the Lord’s Supper? What are we doing as we participate in it? How should we prepare ourselves to partake of it? It contains very practical instructions for those not accustomed to speaking in public on how to select a topic for a meditation, how to develop it, and how to present it with confidence. The book concludes with seventy-six of Burke’s own communion meditations. These interesting reflections are offered for private personal use, or to be used when one is called on to provide a meditation for a congregation. Gary Burke’s long experience in teaching and congregational leadership will bless the readers of this book.”

—Dr. Ronald E. Heine, Professor Emeritus, Bible and Theology, Northwest Christian University

“How can our participation in the Lord’s Supper be a more meaningful and focused experience? In Guests at His Table, Gary Burke shows how a well-thought-out Communion talk is the key. Guiding us through the process of initial ideas, preparation, and presentation, Gary’s book will prove to be a most useful tool for those who lead Communion talks and for all who participate in this important meal of remembrance. Warmly recommended.”

—John Griffiths, Wembley Church of Christ, London, UK

“If Communion rises as the climax of Christian worship, why have we produced so few resources on preparing for the Lord’s Supper? Gary Burke answers with a comprehensive guide on how to write and deliver Communion thoughts, complete with abundant examples. Not a mini sermon or a wide open devo, he shows how Communion thoughts specifically lead the church to an encounter with Jesus that deepens faith and transforms all who gather around the table.” 

—Joseph P. Conway, Undergraduate Bible and Ministry Chair, Lipscomb University

“Gary Burke’s Guests at His Table is a thoughtful and spiritually rich collection of Communion devotionals grounded in Scripture and centered on Christ. Particularly moving is the reflection on Jesus’s words, ‘I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you’ (Luke 22:15), reminding us that the Lord’s Supper is Christ’s gracious invitation to fellowship at his table. These reflections will encourage believers toward deeper gratitude, reverence, and worship in remembering our Savior’s sacrifice.”

—André McMillian, Elder, Manchester Church of Christ, and Brigadier General, United States Air Force

“Guests at His Table is a much-needed book on practical ways to prepare oneself for observance of the Lord’s Supper. Elders, worship leaders, and all Christians will greatly benefit from Dr. Burke’s biblically based insights on the spiritual meaning of the meal celebrating Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. The three sections provide a theological preparation foundation for Communion, suggestions for effective preparation and delivery of one’s comments, and then the book’s highlight, seventy-six manuscripted Communion talks ready to use.”

—Lynn McMillon, PhD, President and CEO Emeritus, The Christian Chronicle; Dean Emeritus and Distinguished Professor Emeritus, College of Biblical Studies, Oklahoma Christian University

“Gary Burke’s exceptional book speaks to a much-neglected space in our worship—between Word and Table, between the spiritual and the physical, between the everyday and Resurrection Day: the words that prepare God’s people for the Lord’s Table. Guests at His Table offers rich and compelling examples of Communion thoughts and illuminates the how and the why behind them. A wise, engaging, and useful resource for every congregation.”

—Jack R. Reese, author of Grace Sideways: Field Notes of a Doubting Believer (Eerdmans, 2026)

“Though I have three books of Communion thoughts, I heartily commend Gary Burke’s book because it provides, in addition to both teaching about the Supper and his own talks, distinctive training on the development of meaningful comments at the table of the Lord. The Supper is to be central in our Sunday assemblies, and well-done comments help the event to nurture our needy souls. This book can help enormously.”

—Philip Slate, former Professor of Theology and Missions, Harding School of Theology and Abilene Christian University

“As a leader in a church that partakes of the Lord’s Supper weekly, I have seen far too many Communion thoughts rely on familiar Scriptures or personal stories that unintentionally overshadow the story of Jesus. In Guests at His Table, Gary Burke offers thoughtful guidance to help leaders and church members approach Communion with greater confidence, preparation, and spiritual focus. Whether you are serving at the table or simply longing for deeper worship, this book will help draw your heart closer to Christ.”

—Dr. Brad Cox, Senior Pastor, High Pointe Church, McKinney, TX