Prayer for the bread and cup

Welcome to our growing library of communion prayers. If you know of a good prayer to say at communion, we invite you to add it at the bottom of the page.

The Bread and The Cup

Often times, prayers for the Eucharist will be broken up into two sections; For the Bread, and For the Cup. One prayer is to be said before the breaking of the bread, and one before the pouring of the wine.

For example:

For the Bread:

Crucified God, we wear beautiful crosses around
our necks, and hang them on our walls. We have
made your triumphant sign of suffering decorative,
when what it really needs to be is defining.
So make us cruciform Lord, in our weekly
remembrance of Christs death on the cross
in our breaking of this bread.

Let us show by the offering of our hearts and hands
the depth of our commitment to live for him who died for us.

In lives of sacrifice and service, empower our
witness to Jesus Christ, whose cross so powerfully
proclaims your love.

Amen.

For the Cup:

In lifting this cup of remembrance here this morning
Oh God of sacrifice, we are lifting high the cross of Christ
and proclaiming your great love.
We partake, with gratitude, all the gifts that ours
in Christ crucified – new life, real unity, eternal life,
and a meaningful purpose.

Fill us now again with the power of your spirit
that we might be bold in our witness to Jesus Christ,till all the world adores his sacred name.

Amen

A First Communion

My Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the
Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
I believe it because you have said it
and Im ready to give my life to
maintain this truth.
Amen

Prayer for Receiving the Lord

Sweet Jesus, thank You for everything You have bestowed upon me. You have sacrificed Your life to save all of mankind from our sins. You have generously shared with us Your life when You could have chosen not to. Forgive me for the sins I have done against You and for the ones I will be making.

I promise that I will be a better person for you and for others. Bless the hands of the hard working, the hearts of the loving and the souls of those who help.

In Your name, I pray. Amen.

Being One with Jesus

Dear God, I come to You today to praise and glorify Your name. You have showered us with wonderful gifts. The best gift of all is giving Your son to save us from our sins.

There is no worse grief for a father than to lose his son. You have been unselfish and very giving even to those who have turned their backs on You. I pray that they come back to Your welcoming arms. I dedicate this prayer to those who need someone to call on to when the days get rough and the nights are worst.

Give them the strength and courage to come back to You, Father. Being with Jesus has ultimately changed my life. Let it be for them as well.

In Your glory always, I pray. Amen.

Prayer at a Child’s First Communion

Lord Jesus Christ, in the Sacrament of
the Eucharist You left us the outstanding
manifestation of your limitless love for us.

Thank You for giving our child the
opportunity to experience this love
in receiving the Sacrament for the first time.
May your Eucharist presence keep him/her
ever free from sin, fortified in faith,
pervaded by love for God and neighbor,
and fruitful in virtue, that he/she may
continue to receive You throughout life and
attain final union with You at death.

Amen.

Prayer to Receive the Lord

Lord, as You enter my body, please cleanse me from all my sins.

Teach me to become as pure as You and Your mother Mary. I pray that I become a better person and be kinder to my neighbours. May Your presence in me make me a better person and do whatever is only on Your will.

Thank You for keeping me warm on those cold toasty nights and safe from harm. I pray that all my loved ones live in Your presence and that they always do what is right. I pray for the world to have peace especially in their hearts.

I pray this for Your glory, Lord. Amen.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Loving and compassionate God,
God of infinite goodness and mercy,
Your blessed name be glorified.
Yours is the glory,
You are the ruler of all the land and everything on it;
You are the ruler of the world and all its inhabitants.

God of all of us, teach us to live the way you have always wanted.
You are our God and savior,
And our trust is always in you.
We thank you for the blessings that you give us every day.
We thank you for providing food to those in need.

We thank you for blessing us with the desire for your justice for those who are poor.
We thank you for blessing us with the voice to speak for the voiceless.
We thank you for allowing us to be your hands and feet in the world,
For the blessing of being part of the great family that is your Church.

Hear our prayer and help us remember always your call to justice and compassion.
Our God, you will conquer all injustice; with your help we will be victorious.

Source: bread.org

Prayer After Communion

Lord Jesus, I love and adore you. You’re a special friend to me.

Welcome, Lord Jesus, o welcome. Thank you for coming to me. Thank you, Lord Jesus, o thank you for giving yourself to me. Make me strong to show your love wherever I may be. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay close by my forever and love me, I pray. Bless all of us children in your loving care and bring us to heaven to live with you there.

I’m ready now, Lord Jesus, to show how much I care. I’m ready now to give your love at home and everywhere.

Amen.

Source: goodshepherdgalway.com

Catholic Communion Prayers

Here are some prayers for the Blessed Sacrament from the Catholic tradition.

The Sanctity of Life

My God, we adore You here in the Blessed Sacrament.
As we kneel before You, we recognize You
as the Creator of all Life. We thank You and
praise You for the lives you have given to us
and to those we love. Give us a true and lasting
respect for all life, for we recognize it as coming
from You. We pray for all who have suffered or
died as a result of disrespect whether that suffering
and death has come as a result of abuse, war, gossip,
or abortion.

We pray for an end for all disrespect of life. As we
kneel before You we ask You to forgive all those who
do not respect the sanctity of life. We repeat the words
you spoke as you hung on the cross, ‘Father, forgive them,
for they know not what they do.

Hail to Thee, True Body

Hail to thee, true body born
From Virgin Mary’s womb!
The same that on the cross was nailed
And bore for man the bitter doom.
Thou, whose side was pierced and flowed
Both with water and with blood;
Suffer us to taste of thee,
In our life’s last agony.
O kind, O loving one!
O sweet Jesus, Mary’s Son!

Prayers for After Communion

Here are some simple, short prayer to say after the communion has ended.

Go As Children of God

Go as risk takers,
For God has nourished you with bread and cup.
Go as new creatures,
For God is saving you from your sin.

Go as children of God,
For God will be with us all.

Amen

Gracious God

Gracious God, here at this table we have been, in the company of Jesus Christ, our savior and redeemer.
You have revealed your loving ways to us in broken bread
and poured cup.

Now, as your light has illuminated
our lives. Help us be a light for others.
Amen

Prayer of Thanksgiving After Communion

Lord Jesus, thank You for being with me today! You have been my guide and guard in all my days and I pray that continue to be so. Thank You for always keeping me safe and warm, for keeping me away from harm.

Thank You for giving me the gift of living another day and for my family who are never away. Bless those who are in need of Your loving protection. Let them be under Your wing and they will never be astray.

May this prayer keep all evils away and only the good will stay. Amen.

Eternal Light

Eternal Light, shine in our hearts.
Eternal Goodness, you have drawn us to your heart.
and united us in the sacrament of Christs body and blood.
Eternal Power, be our support.

Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance.
Eternal Pity, have mercy upon us.
That with all our heart and mind and soul and strength
we may seek your face and be brought by your infinite
mercy to your holy presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Bible Verses About Faith

“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;”

It is common to use scripture in communion prayers. Click here to read Bible Verses About Faith

Return to 15 Great Communion Prayers

www.praywithme.com

A communion prayer is a reflective time when sitting at the table to invite all to share in the Banquet of Life. Bread and drink is shared just as that Jesus performed at the Last Supper with His apostles. Here is a look at some great communion prayers for elders to inspire you.

Prayer #1

I come to your table. Your painful sacrifice is on my mind. I look at the communion cracker. I see piercing. I see bruising. I see the brutality of the punishment that you endured for me. I see your everlasting love.

I gaze at the blood of redemption. I see your crimson mercy shimmering in this cup. I see your life being poured out for me. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord.

In Jesus’ Name we celebrate this communion.

Amen.

Prayer #2

I come to your table to partake of intimate communion with you. I look at the bread. I see your suffering. I see the bruising, the stripes, and the piercing. Yet, the piercing of your body is nothing in comparison to the piercing of your heart. You made the ultimate sacrifice so that I could have everything I need to be right with you.

I look at the cup. This is the blood that oozed out of you as you suffered on the cross. Blood flowed out of your thorn-torn head as you not only bowed your human head but your mind, will, and emotions as well. I now bow my mind, will, and emotions to your will as I drink this cup.

Amen.

Prayer #3

Crucified God, we wear beautiful crosses around our necks, and hang them on our walls. We have made your “triumphant sign” of suffering decorative, when what it really needs to be is defining. So make us cruciform Lord, in our weekly remembrance of Christ’s death on the cross in our breaking of this bread.

Let us show by the offering of our hearts and hands the depth of our commitment to live for him who died for us.

In lives of sacrifice and service, empower our witness to Jesus Christ, whose cross so powerfully proclaims your love.

Amen.

Prayer #4

In lifting this cup of remembrance here this morning Oh God of sacrifice, we are lifting high the cross of Christ and proclaiming your great love. We partake, with gratitude, all the gifts that ours in Christ crucified – new life, real unity, eternal life, and a meaningful purpose.

Fill us now again with the power of your spirit that we might be bold in our witness to Jesus Christ,“till all the world adores his sacred name”.

Amen.

Prayer #5

Sweet Jesus, thank You for everything You have bestowed upon me. You have sacrificed Your life to save all of mankind from our sins. You have generously shared with us Your life when You could have chosen not to. Forgive me for the sins I have done against You and for the ones I will be making.

I promise that I will be a better person for you and for others. Bless the hands of the hard working, the hearts of the loving and the souls of those who help.

In Your name, I pray. Amen.

Prayer #6

Dear God, I come to You today to praise and glorify Your name. You have showered us with wonderful gifts. The best gift of all is giving Your son to save us from our sins.

There is no worse grief for a father than to lose his son. You have been unselfish and very giving even to those who have turned their backs on You. I pray that they come back to Your welcoming arms. I dedicate this prayer to those who need someone to call on to when the days get rough and the nights are worst.

Give them the strength and courage to come back to You, Father. Being with Jesus has ultimately changed my life. Let it be for them as well.

In Your glory always, I pray. Amen.

Prayer #7

Lord, as You enter my body, please cleanse me from all my sins.

Teach me to become as pure as You and Your mother Mary. I pray that I become a better person and be kinder to my neighbors. May Your presence in me make me a better person and do whatever is only on Your will.

Thank You for keeping me warm on those cold toasty nights and safe from harm. I pray that all my loved ones live in Your presence and that they always do what is right. I pray for the world to have peace especially in their hearts.

I pray this for Your glory, Lord. Amen.

Here is just one example of a communion prayer as it is given by an elder at the Church of God in Christ.

connectusfund.org

The Table of Shewbread

In the golden, glowing place of fellowship with God – the Holy Place – is a Table. The Table is laden with bread. It is a place of provision, a place of communion, a place where the priest meets with God and eats the bread in His presence. This is the Table of Shewbread.

No longer in the bright glare of the sun in the Outer Court of the Tabernacle of Moses, now we are in the room of gold. The Golden Lampstand is the only source of light here and casts the glow from its seven lamps over the Altar of Incense and the Table of Shewbread.

The Purpose of the Table

A table is a place to eat and to fellowship with others. A place to gather around to commune and to break bread together. In fact, tables hold great significance in life. The table is the place where family comes together to eat and to share in each others’ lives. Studies have been conducted demonstrating that children from families who eat together 4 or more times a week do better academically and emotionally. This is because around the table we are united, we communicate and we bond with each other. It is a place of security and stability for children and adults alike.

In the Tabernacle it is no different: the Table of Shewbread is the place where the priests were to gather together to eat the Bread of the Presence as one, in God’s presence. Remember the Table is in the Holy Place and the Holy Place is the place of Fellowship.

The Table – a Picture of Christ Jesus

The Table of Shewbread, as with all of the other furniture in the Tabernacle, first and foremost points to Jesus Christ.

The Table was made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold.

Once again this reflects the dual nature of Christ, the God-Man: the incorruptible acacia wood, His sinless humanity; and the pure gold, His deity.

The table was the same height as the Brazen Altar’s grate in the Outer Court and the Mercy Seat in the Most Holy Place – 1 ½ cubits. We begin at the Judgment seat (the Brazen Altar: cross) so that we may come to the Table for fellowship with God and His Priests on the basis of the shed blood of the Mercy Seat.

The Table carries the bread – just as Jesus bears His people:

“He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom…” Isaiah 40:11

The Table had a gold moulding around the edge measuring one hand’s breadth with a gold crown on top.

The crown speaks of His Kingship. He is the King of Kings.

The gold moulding speaks of the protection of His people, a golden enclosure surrounds them. It measures one hands’ breadth: He holds His people in His hand.

The Bread – a Picture of Christ Jesus

The Shewbread, or Bread of the Presence, also points to Jesus Christ.

“Shew” means to “tell forth” or “declare”. Thus the Shewbread “tells forth” or bears witness to God’s Son, Jesus. See Jesus was never an after-thought nor Plan B, because God’s first plan didn’t work. No, Jesus was always God’s plan of redemption to a fallen world, (See Genesis 3:15). He is the only One, the Only Way and He has always been so. Thus the Old Covenant in the Old Testament tells forth of Him.

“Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come– in the scroll of the book it is written of Me– to do Your will, O God.’” Hebrews 10:7

There were two piles of six unleavened loaves on the table.

12 is the number that is used consistently in the Bible for Israel. It is also the number for Apostolic fullness and Governance (think of the 12 apostles and the 24 (12×2) thrones in Revelation 4:4.

How the bread was made – a process of death and suffering

Bread was made from fine flour. The flour was made from harvested wheat. The wheat had been alive and growing, but then the wheat was harvested and died in order to be ground to fine flour to become bread. This foreshadows Jesus’ suffering and death. Jesus was alive, but He suffered and was crushed under the weight of bearing the sin of the world. He died and by His death He gives life to the world.

The bread was unleavened = Jesus’ sinless nature

The bread was baked in fire. It was an offering to the Lord by fire: this also speaks of the sufferings of Christ and His obedience unto death.

The bread was perforated = Jesus was pierced and wounded

Frankincense was placed on each row of bread

Exodus 24:7 “ And you shall put pure frankincense on each row…”

Incense always speaks of prayer and intercession. Remember the Altar of Incense was the place of intercession. So frankincense sprinkled over the Shewbread speaks of Jesus’ life of prayer and Intercession.

The Bread of Life

Of course Jesus Himself refers to Himself as the “Bread of Life” – John 6:32-35 & John 6:48-51

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry…” John 6:35

Jesus is the living bread – all who eat of Him will never die because He is life. Shewbread in its physical form was a picture of Him being the true, spiritual Bread of Life. Manna was also a picture of Him. The Manna and the Shewbread were simply shadows – He is the reality. He is the divine Bread sent from Heaven to provide the answer to sin, to provide life to us, to sustain us, to keep us, to fill us.

God has provided for us eternal bread. Those priests whom ate the Shewbread in the Tabernacle are now dead. So are those Israelites whom ate the Manna in the wilderness. But those who eat of Jesus will never die. He says

“Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:49-51

Just as the priests ate the Bread in the presence of God at the Table, so we too need to eat of Jesus regularly in God’s presence. This is not the Catholic false doctrine of the Eucharist – no – it is by eating of the Word of God in the light of the revelation of the Holy Spirit (the Golden Candlestick).

So we see that:

The Shewbread is also a Picture of the Word of God

We are to daily eat the bread of the Word of God which reveals Jesus to us. Now we have the written Word which reveals to us the Living Word. The Shewbread was replaced regularly – we have to come to the Word of God regularly for fresh bread.  The Shewbread was covered in Frankincense, and we need to come to the Word of God in prayer.

Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

Drink Offering

There were also bowls, cups and pitchers on the Table of Shewbread. They were made of pure gold.

With the Shewbread the priests were commanded to offer a drink offering to the Lord – wine from the gold cups, pitchers.

This is a picture of Jesus’ shed blood being poured out for us.

So we see the Priests breaking the bread and eating it and pouring out the wine in the presence of God, in unity and as a witness to Christ.

“ And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Luke 22:19,20

Of course this reminds us of New Covenant communion. This is where we gather around the Lord’s Table and eat the break and drink the cup to “shew forth the Lord’s death till He comes.”

1 Corinthians 11:26 “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you do shew forth the Lord’s death till He comes…”

Communion is the place where New Covenant believers gather together in the unity of the Holy Spirit in the presence of God and remember the Lord’s death. Once again we see those words “shew forth”. Communion is also a witness, a testimony, to what Jesus has done and that He is coming back soon. Praise the Lord!

The Table of Shewbread Also Points to You and Me

Now the Ministry of the Old Covenant priests reflect our ministry as New Covenant believers:

• We are His priests

• We are to have fellowship with Him

• We are to daily eat the bread of the Word of God which reveals Jesus to us. Now we have the written Word which reveals to us the Living Word. The Shewbread was replaced regularly – we have to come to the Word of God regularly for fresh bread
• Just as the Shewbread was covered in Frankincense, so we need to approach the Word of God prayerfully

• Remember the Golden Lampstand illuminates the Holy Place – it sheds light on the Bread – the Word of God.  This is a picture of the Holy Spirit bringing revelation to us through the Word of God.

• We are to come to His table in fellowship with Him and one another and have communion together to shew forth His death until He comes

• But even more – we are now to share in His death and sufferings, we are to know Him and the fellowship of His sufferings. We are now to be broken bread and poured out wine to a dying world.
• Paul said in 2 Timothy that his life is being poured out like a drink offering. We know that Jesus, the Table, will hold us and support us through it all.

graceandtruth.me

A. Introductory notes

1. The Lord’s Supper is the other sacrament (besides baptism) accepted by the Christian Reformed Church, because it, too, was commanded and thus instituted by Christ himself, as Paul reports in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (see also Matt. 26:26-29 and parallel Gospel texts). In setting forth the meaning of this sacrament, the Reformed confessions, the writings of Reformed theologians, and recent ecumenical documents emphasize the following themes:

a. The Lord’s Supper is a thanksgiving to God (eucharist).
b. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Christ (anamnesis).
c. The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the body and the blood of Christ.
d. The Lord’s Supper signifies the work of the Spirit (epiclesis).
e. The Lord’s Supper symbolizes the unity of the church in all times and places.
f. The Lord’s Supper seals the present and coming kingdom of God.

2. As in the case of baptism, the history of the Lord’s Supper in the Christian church reveals both diversity in form and practice as well as common threads that continue to characterize this Christian sacrament. Some of the most important common and abiding features of the Lord’s Supper are the following:

a. The Lord’s Supper includes four actions:
–taking bread and wine
–giving thanks over them
–breaking the bread/pouring the wine
–sharing among God’s people.

b. The Lord’s Supper is normally and regularly part of a single liturgy of Word and table.
c. The memorial of Christ refers to his entire life and ministry, his death, resurrection, ascension, and return.

3. In drafting and compiling “shorter, more flexible” forms for the Lord’s Supper, the CRC Worship Committee researched various Reformed and ecumenical statements, confessions, and affirmations about this sacrament. In the light of synod’s encouragement to the churches “to adapt as needed all denominational liturgical forms” (Acts of Synod 1991, p. 707), we offer the following forms both as materials to be used directly and as resources that may shape local adaptations.

We achieved brevity in some of the forms by focusing strictly on the elements deemed essential to the sacrament:

a. The scriptural words of institution (with breaking/pouring).
b. The thanksgiving and consecration.
c. The communion with bread and cup.

Other elements could possibly be eliminated or certainly adapted, though we suggest that any local adaptations reflect the crucial themes of the Lord’s Supper given above in A, 1, a-f. We also suggest that the Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed be recited prior to the celebration of the sacrament as a response to the service of the Word.

B. Services of the Lord’s Supper

1. A revision of the Lord’s Supper section of the “Service of Word and Sacrament” (Psalter Hymnal, pp. 973-75). The revision draws on many classic elements of the Lord’s Supper liturgy and now includes thanksgiving prayers that are appropriate to specific seasons of the church year.

The Thanksgiving

Minister: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right for us to give thanks and praise.
Minister:

With joy we praise you, gracious God,
for you have created heaven and earth,
made us in your image, and kept covenant with us–
even when we fell into sin.
We give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who by his life, death, and resurrection
opened to us the way of everlasting life.
Therefore we join our voices
with all the saints and angels and the whole creation
to proclaim the glory of your name.

With joy we praise you, gracious God,
for you have created heaven and earth,
made us in your image, and kept covenant with us–
even when we fell into sin.
We give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord,
whose coming opened to us the way of salvation
and whose triumphant return we eagerly await.
Therefore we join our voices
with all the saints and angels and the whole creation
to proclaim the glory of your name.

With joy we praise you, gracious God,
for you have created heaven and earth,
made us in your image, and kept covenant with us–
even when we fell into sin.
We give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who came among us as the Word made flesh
to show us your glory, full of grace and truth.
Therefore we join our voices
with all the saints and angels and the whole creation
to proclaim the glory of your name.

With joy we praise you, gracious God,
for you have created heaven and earth,
made us in your image, and kept covenant with us–
even when we fell into sin.
We give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who came as the light of the world
to show us your way of truth in parables and miracles.
Therefore we join our voices
with all the saints and angels and the whole creation
to proclaim the glory of your name.

With joy we praise you, gracious God,
for you have created heaven and earth,
made us in your image, and kept covenant with us–
even when we fell into sin.
We give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord,
by whose grace we may triumph over temptation,
be more fervent in prayer, and be more generous in love.
Therefore we join our voices
with all the saints and angels and the whole creation
to proclaim the glory of your name.

With joy we praise you, gracious God,
for you have created heaven and earth,
made us in your image, and kept covenant with us–
even when we fell into sin.
We give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who became the true paschal Lamb
that was sacrificed for our salvation.
Therefore we join our voices
with all the saints and angels and the whole creation
to proclaim the glory of your name.

With joy we praise you, gracious God,
for you have created heaven and earth,
made us in your image, and kept covenant with us–
even when we fell into sin.
We give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who by his glorious resurrection
overcame the power of sin and gave us new life.
Therefore we join our voices
with all the saints and angels and the whole creation
to proclaim the glory of your name.

With joy we praise you, gracious God,
for you have created heaven and earth,
made us in your image, and kept covenant with us–
even when we fell into sin.
We give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who was exalted as King of the universe,
that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow.
Therefore we join our voices
with all the saints and angels and the whole creation
to proclaim the glory of your name.

With joy we praise you, gracious God,
for you have created heaven and earth,
made us in your image, and kept covenant with us–
even when we fell into sin.
We give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord,
and for the pouring forth of your Holy Spirit,
who equips us for service and leads us into your truth.
Therefore we join our voices
with all the saints and angels and the whole creation
to proclaim the glory of your name.

All:

The Institution

Minister: We give thanks to God the Father that our Savior, Jesus Christ, before he suffered, gave us this memorial of his sacrifice, until he comes again. At his last supper, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, he took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this in remembrance of me.” For whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Therefore we proclaim our faith as signed and sealed in this sacrament:
People: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Prayer of Consecration

Minister: Lord, our God, send your Holy Spirit so that this bread and cup may be for us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we and all your saints be united with Christ and remain faithful in hope and love. Gather your whole church, O Lord, into the glory of your kingdom. We pray in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray,
All: “Our Father in heaven . . . Amen.”

The Invitation

Minister: Congregation of Jesus Christ, the Lord has prepared his table for all who love him and trust in him alone for their salvation. All who are truly sorry for their sins, who sincerely believe in the Lord Jesus as their Savior, and who desire to live in obedience to him as Lord, are now invited to come with gladness to the table of the Lord.

The gifts of God for the people of God!

The Communion

Minister: Take, eat, remember, and believe that the body of our Lord Jesus Christ was given for the complete forgiveness of all our sins.
Take, drink, remember, and believe that the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ was given for the complete forgiveness of all our sins.

Take, eat! Remember and believe that the body of Christ is the bread of heaven for us.
Take, drink! Remember and believe that the blood of Christ is the cup of our salvation.

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

2. A revision of the “Service of Word and Sacrament” (Psalter Hymnal, pp. 973-75). This form incorporates more congregational singing as part of The Thanksgiving and has notes with more suggestions of appropriate hymns.

The Institution

Minister: We give thanks to God the Father that our Savior, Jesus Christ, gave us this memorial of his sacrifice until he comes again. For the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, he took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this in remembrance of me.” For whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes (1 Cor. 11:23-26).

The Thanksgiving

All:
Minister:
Lord, our God, send your Holy Spirit upon us,
that all who eat and drink at this table
may be one body and one holy people,
a living sacrifice to the glory of Jesus Christ,
in whose name we pray. Amen.

All:

The Acclamation

Minister: In unity with Christians everywhere, let us proclaim the mystery of our faith.

People: Your death, O Christ, we proclaim.

Your resurrection we affirm with joy.
Your coming we await with hope.
Glory be to you, Lord Jesus!

Christ has died!
Christ is risen!
Christ will come again!

The Invitation

Minister: Congregation of Jesus Christ, the Lord has prepared his table for true believers. If you are sorry for your sins and sincerely follow Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you are invited to come with gladness to this table of the Lord.

The Communion

Minister: Take, eat, remember, and believe that the precious body of our Lord Jesus Christ was given for the complete forgiveness of all our sins. Take, drink, remember, and believe that the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ was shed for the complete forgiveness of all our sins.

Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.

Thanksgiving Song

3. New forms: biblical models
   The set of new Lord’s Supper forms that we offer are short outlines or models that are all variants of each other: each focuses on one book of the Bible; all are structured by a period of preparation, followed by the Lord’s Supper, and concluded with thanksgiving; and all leave room for local adaptation. The formula “Take, eat! . . .” is consistent in each one.

a. From the Psalms

A Psalm of Preparation: Psalm 116

Our Praise: Psalm 103, sung from Psalter Hymnal 475
A Psalm of Prayer: Psalm 139
The Lord’s Supper
The Words of Institution: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Our Testimony: Psalter Hymnal 309, “Lift Up Your Hearts unto the Lord”
Prayer of Consecration
The Bread
Distribution of the bread, with singing of one or several communion songs
Call to Participation: “Take, eat! Remember and believe that the body of our Lord was given for the complete forgiveness of all our sins!”
The Cup
Distribution of the cup, with singing of one or several communion songs
Call to Participation: “Take, drink! Remember and believe that the blood of our Lord was given for the complete forgiveness of all our sins!”
The Thanksgiving: Psalm 23
A Psalm (or Hymn) of Joyful Thanksgiving

b. From the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Call of God: Isaiah 55:1-7

Our Testimony: Psalter Hymnal 500, “How Firm a Foundation”
The Way of the Suffering Servant: Isaiah 53
Our Confession: Psalter Hymnal 194, “Comfort, Comfort Now My People”
The Delight of Salvation: Isaiah 11:1-10
Our Celebration: Psalter Hymnal 198, “Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come”
The Lord’s Supper
The Words of Institution: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Our Testimony: Psalter Hymnal 309, “Lift Up Your Hearts unto the Lord”
Prayer of Consecration
The Bread
Distribution of the bread, with singing Psalter Hymnal 193, “Surely It Is God Who Saves Me”
Call to Participation: “Take, eat! . . .”
The Cup
Distribution of the cup, with singing Psalter Hymnal 616, “Isaiah the Prophet Has Written of Old”
Call to Participation: “Take, drink! . . .”
The Thanksgiving: Isaiah 61:1-3 , 10-11
Songs of Response: Psalter Hymnal 195, “Our God Reigns”; 197, “The Trees of the Field”

c. From the Gospel of Mark

An Act of Loving Devotion: Mark 14:1-9

Our Testimony of Devotion: Psalter Hymnal 284:2, “Jesus, I Adore You . . .”
An Act of Betrayal: Mark 14:10-11
Our Prayer of Confession
An Act of Preparation: Mark 14:12-16
Hymn of Preparation: Psalter Hymnal 307:1, 3-4; “O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts”
The Lord’s Supper
Prayer of Consecration
The Bread: Mark 14:17, 22
Distribution of the bread, with singing
Call to Participation: “Take, eat! . . .”
The Cup: Mark 14:23-25
Distribution of the cup, with singing
Call to Participation: “Take, drink! . . .”
A Hymn of Joyful Thanksgiving: Psalter Hymnal 306, “Now the Solemn Feast Is Done”

d. From the Gospel of Luke

The Gospel Story: Luke 15:11-24

Our Testimony: Psalter Hymnal 462, “Amazing Grace–How Sweet the Sound”
The Unfortunate Response: Luke 14:16-24
Our Prayer of Confession
The Table of Grace: Luke 19:1-9 
Our Song of Joy: Psalter Hymnal 571, “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know”
The Lord’s Supper
The Preparation of the Upper Room: Luke 22:7-16
Our Prayer: Psalter Hymnal 302, “In the Quiet Consecration”
Prayer of Consecration
The Bread: Luke 22:19
Distribution of the bread, with singing
Call to Participation: “Take, eat! . . .”
The Cup: Luke 22:20
Distribution of the cup, with singing
Call to Participation: “Take, drink! . . .”
The Thanksgiving: Luke 24:13-35
A Hymn of Joyful Thanksgiving: Psalter Hymnal 299, “As We Walk Along Beside You”

e. From the Writings of John

Finding Our Identity: 1 John 1:1-2:2

Bible Song: Psalter Hymnal 218, “In the Beginning Was the Word Eternal”
Forgiven in Christ: 1 John 3:4-5
Prayer of Confession
Following Our Lord: 1 John 3:7-10
Hymn of Testimony: Psalter Hymnal 301, “Taste and See”
The Lord’s Supper
Words of Institution: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Bible Song: Psalter Hymnal 231, “How Great Is the Love of the Father”
Prayer of Consecration
The Bread: John 6:35
Distribution of the bread, with singing from Psalter Hymnal 300, “Gift of Finest Wheat”
Call to Participation: “Take, eat! . . .”
The Cup: John 7:37-38
Distribution of the cup, with singing from Psalter Hymnal 311, “I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord,” and 219, “As Moses Raised the Serpent Up”
Call to Participation: “Take, drink! . . .”
The Thanksgiving: 1 John 3:16-24
A Hymn of Joyful Thanksgiving

f. From the Writings of Paul

Celebrating Christ: Ephesians 1:3-8

Testimony of Faith: Psalter Hymnal 479, “I Will Sing of My Redeemer”
Confessing Need: Ephesians 2:1-7
Prayer of Confession
Consecrating Ourselves: Romans 8:5-11
Hymn of Preparation: Psalter Hymnal 291, “May the Mind of Christ, My Savior”
The Lord’s Supper
Prayer of Consecration
The Bread: 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
Distribution of the bread, with singing
Call to Participation: “Take, eat! . . .”
The Cup: 1 Corinthians 11:25
Distribution of the cup, with singing
Call to Participation: “Take, drink! . . .”
The Thanksgiving: Romans 12, Ephesians 3:14-21, or Colossians 3:1-17, followed by a thanksgiving hymn

4. A form adapted from confessional documents and Reformation writings familiar to the CRC. It includes elements adapted from forms in the Psalter Hymnal.

The Institution of the Lord’s Supper

We give thanks to God the Father that our Savior, Jesus Christ, before he suffered, gave us this memorial of his sacrifice, until he comes again: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Cor. 11:23-26)

The Teaching of the Lord’s Supper

With these words our Lord commands all believers to eat this broken bread and to drink this cup in true faith and in the confident hope of his return in glory. In this Supper God declares to us that our sins have been completely forgiven through the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which he himself finished on the cross once for all. He also declares to us that the Holy Spirit grafts us into Christ, who with his very body is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father, where he wants us to worship him. (Adapted from the Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 75, 80)

The Invitation

Come, therefore, all of you who are truly sorry for your sins, who believe in the Lord Jesus as your Savior, have confessed his name, and desire to live in obedience to him. Come eagerly and joyfully, with assurance of faith, for Christ, our risen Lord, invites you as guests to fellowship with him at his table. (Adapted from Psalter Hymnal, p. 975)

Prayer of Consecration

Father, we give you thanks for your Son, Jesus Christ, for his willing obedience and suffering during his life on earth, and especially for his giving up of his body and blood on the cross. Give us assurance that our sins are pardoned through his blood. Let your perfect love drive out fear; make us perfect in your love. Fill our minds with your peace and turn our eyes to heaven, where Christ is at your right hand interceding for us. Enable us to offer up ourselves in service to Christ and to all your children. Let no trouble or sorrow distract us from this loving service, and unite us with each other through your Spirit so that we may continue in the living hope of our Savior’s coming in glory. Hear us now through our Lord Jesus, who taught us to pray, saying, “Our Father . . . .” (Adapted from Psalter Hymnal, p. 980)

The Communion

People of God, let us lift up our hearts to the Lord; let us lift them up to the God of our salvation.

The bread which we break is a communion of the body of Christ.

Take, eat, remember, and believe that the body of our Lord Jesus Christ was given for the complete forgiveness of all our sins.

The cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks is a communion of the blood of Christ.

Take, drink, remember, and believe that the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ was shed for the complete forgiveness of all our sins.

Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits– who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. (Ps. 103:1-4) “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Rev. 5:12)

Prayer of Thanksgiving

With burning hearts we thank you, Father, for making Christ known to us in the breaking of bread and in the poured-out wine. Now may this meal enable us to increase in faith, persevere in hope, and grow up in love. May this witness to Christ’s death draw others into fellowship with him so that all your children will be gathered in to share with us the joy of your salvation. Send us out from this place by your Spirit, our ears open to your Word, our minds alert to the calling you give us, our hearts full of zeal for your coming kingdom, our voices confessing the name of Jesus, our Lord and our God. Amen.

Alternate Reading for The Teaching of the Lord’s Supper

God meets us in the sacraments, holy acts in which his deeds elicit our response. . . . In the supper our Lord offers the bread and cup to believers to guarantee our share in his death and resurrection, and to unite us to him and to each other. We take this food gladly, announcing as we eat that Jesus is our life and that he shall come again to call us to the Supper of the Lamb. (Contemporary Testimony, st. 40)

Alternate Prayer of Consecration

We thank you, O God, that you remembered your promise to reconcile the world to yourself, that you have come among us in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word made flesh. As our substitute, he suffered all his years on earth, especially in the horrible torture of the cross. We thank you that he carried your judgment on our sin; that his sacrifice removes our guilt; and that he walked out of the grave, the Lord of life, conqueror of sin and death. Lord Jesus, as both God and man, be our only Mediator between God and your people. You alone paid the debt of our sin; there is no other Savior! In you the Father chose those whom he would save. Now may your electing love sustain our hope: your grace is free to save us sinners, who offer nothing but our need for mercy. Stay with us in the Spirit to renew our hearts, move us to faith, lead us in the truth, stand by us in our need, and make our obedience fresh and vibrant. (Adapted from Contemporary Testimony, st. 24, 27-28, 31)

Alternate Prayer of Thanksgiving

We thank you, our Lord, for the hope this meal gives us, that Jesus will return as triumphant King, that the dead will be raised, and that all people will stand before his judgment. We face that day without fear, for you, our Judge, are our Savior. May our daily lives of service aim for the moment when the Son will present his people to the Father and God will be shown to be true, holy, and gracious. With the whole creation we wait for the purifying fire of judgment. For then we will see you face to face. You will heal our hurts, end our wars, and make the crooked straight. Then we will join in the new song to the Lamb without blemish, who made us a kingdom and priests. You, our God, will be all in all, righteousness and peace will flourish, everything will be made new, and every eye will see at last that our world belongs to God! Hallelujah! Come, Lord Jesus. Amen. (Adapted from Contemporary Testimony, st. 57-58)

C. Notes on Administering the Lord’s Supper

1. As in the case of baptism, it is important that the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper appeal to the senses of the congregation. The actions of taking and breaking bread and pouring wine should be clearly visible to the congregation. For this purpose, an uncut loaf of bread may be preferable to precut pieces. When possible, the bread and wine should be brought to the table at the beginning of the Lord’s Supper liturgy itself–for example, as part of the offertory.
2. In many congregations it is customary to distribute the elements to communicants in their seats. The alternative of having people go forward to receive the elements has much to commend it, since it invites them to respond actively and physically to the invitation to partake. (Those for whom walking is difficult would of course continue to be served in their places.) The old Dutch Reformed practice of going forward to sit at actual tables may not be feasible in many settings; an effective alternative may be for the people to form successive circles around the communion table and receive the elements (or pass them to each other) while standing. Yet another possibility, especially suitable for large congregations, is for people to process up the main aisle, receive the elements from persons at designated stations at the front of the sanctuary, and return to their places by way of the side aisles. In all cases, distribution can effectively be accompanied by singing.
3. While the elements are distributed or the people are coming forward to receive them, Scripture may be read or hymns may be sung. The Psalter Hymnal has a wide selection of communion hymns (297-314; many additional suggestions are given in the Topical Index under “Lord’s Supper,” pp. 1064-1065; see also “Easter,” p. 1058). Here are some additional choices: –161, 550–other settings of Psalm 23 –190, 193, 257 (Agnus Dei), 536 The following are more seasonal suggestions for Lord’s Supper songs: –Advent-Christmas: 302 (framed with 640), 341, 478 (Song of Mary) –after Epiphany: 34 (framed with refrain of 301), 72, 107 (st. 2) –Lent: 298, 310, 578 –Easter: 299, 398 (st. 5), 402 –Pentecost (and after): 104; 516 (st. 2); 523 (st. 3) There is, of course, much suitable choral music that may be sung during communion, and there are many organ preludes on communion hymns. For many Lord’s Supper services, however, we recommend congregational singing. Passion hymns are appropriate during Lent, and Easter hymns are appropriate on all Sundays of the church year (though some may want to limit the use of alleluias during Lent).
4. The Lord’s Supper should be celebrated regularly and frequently as part of a single liturgy of Word and table.

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