Communion (With Responsive Reading)
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Introduction
I would like to invite the ushers forward.
Beloved in Christ, we now come to share in Holy Communion, the sacred meal instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ on the night before his crucifixion. This time is both somber and joyous. Somber because we remember the great sacrifice of our King. Joyous because though his death he bestowed grace for the forgiveness of sins!
Slide 1
Leader: For what three purposes do we partake of the table?
Congregation: We partake to remember the Lord’s death, to examine our hearts, and to unite us together.
When we partake of the table we…
We Remember: We remember the sacrifice of our Lord. The bread represents His body, broken for us; the cup represents His blood, shed for the forgiveness of our sins.
We Examine: We examine our hearts before God. In this moment, let us reflect upon our lives, our devotion, and our worship. Where we have fallen short, let us confess our sins, trusting in the grace and mercy of God. Let us consider our sins we’ve committed against a fellow brother or sister in Christ, and commit to restoring our relationship with them.
We Unite: We unite as the body of Christ. This table is a sign of our unity, a reminder that we are one in Jesus. Therefore, all who profess faith in Christ are welcome to partake. For those who do not yet believe in Christ, we ask that you let the elements pass and use this time to consider whether you would like to join our faith.
Slide 2
Leader: Will you do these things today?
Congregation: By God’s grace, we will remember, examine, and unite.
Distribution
As the elements are distributed, remember that the bread and cup are stacked together. Please take both and hold them as you pray silently, examining your heart, and we will partake of them together shortly.
Let us pray. Gracious Lord Jesus, we thank you for this holy table in which you remind us of your death and resurrection. Help us to receive this gift with true reverence, examining our hearts, and remembering your love and sacrifice. We pray this in your holy name. Amen.
[The ushers pass the bread and cup to the congregation in silence or with soft music playing.]
Partaking
Let us now partake together as one body in Christ. Hear the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew:
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’
Slide 3
Leader: “…Take, eat; this is my body.”
Congregation: The Body of Christ, the Bread of Heaven.
Leader: Take and eat in remembrance of Him.
[All partake of the bread together.]
In the same way, after supper, He took the cup and gave thanks, and gave it to them saying:
Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Slide 4
Leader: “…which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Congregation: The Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation.
Leader: Take and drink in remembrance of Him.
[All partake of the cup together.]
Let us pray. Lord Jesus, we have partaken of your Body and Blood in this Holy Communion. We thank you for uniting with us as our Lord and for granting us forgiveness of sin. And now, as we turn to praise you in song, may our hearts overflow with gratitude for your love and mercy.
In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
[The worship team leads the congregation in song.]
