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Bread
and Cup Communion
Invitation
(spoken at end of the sermon):
All who are in
love and fellowship in the family of God, who do truly and
earnestly repent of their sins, who humbly put their trust in
Christ, and who desire his help that they might walk in newness of
life, are invited to draw near to God and receive this holy
communion to their comfort, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer:
O God, by your
grace we have become part of the family of faith. We have made a
commitment to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Grant that as
we partake of this bread and this cup we might renew our vows to
one another and to the Christ whom we serve. Amen.
Will the
deacons come forward as we sing #377, "Healer of our every
ill,"
(words,
listen
to the music) to distribute the bread?
(with bread in hand):
Luke tells us
that Jesus "took a loaf of bread and when he had given
thanks, he broke it and gave it to them saying, ‘This is
my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’"
Prayer of Blessing:
Holy God, we pray
your blessing on this sacred symbol of Christ's broken body. May
we receive and partake of this bread in faith, recalling the life
and death of Jesus Christ. Increase our gratitude and our
obedience. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.
As we eat this
bread, may we affirm our faith in words first spoken by Christians
many centuries ago (printed in bulletin):
"The bread which we break is the communion
of the body of Christ."
... Take and eat ...
(Deacons then distribute the cup to each, while
organ plays.)
(with cup in hand):
We are told
that Jesus said, "This cup that is poured out for you is the
new covenant in my blood. do this as often as you drink it in
remembrance of me." And we are reminded, "For as often as
you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Prayer of Blessing:
Holy and loving
God, we pray your blessing upon this sacred symbol of the blood of
Jesus the Christ. Our hearts are lifted in thanksgiving for love
poured out. As in faith we drink this cup, may your forgiveness and
your divine spirit be poured afresh into our lives through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
In
humble thanksgiving and joy for life so freely given, repeat after
me the words of faith (printed in bulletin):
"The cup which we bless is the communion of
the blood of Christ."
... Take and drink ...
We
have proclaimed his death upon a cross for the healing of the
nations. Let us also proclaim his life, that he is risen from the
grave.
Because he lives we can face tomorrow.
Because he lives all fear is gone.
Stand and sing.
"God
sent his Son," #345
adapted from pp. 233-236
of For All Who Minister,
©1993, Brethren Press, Elgin, IL.
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