Holy Communion Prayers

PURPOSE FOR HOLY COMMUNION

• To Remember Christ’s Sacrifice
  “Do this in remembrance of me.” – Luke 22:19
  Communion is a time to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, symbolized by the bread (His body) and wine (His blood).

• To Proclaim the Gospel
  “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26
  Taking Communion declares the gospel: Jesus died, rose again, and will return.

• To Participate in Christ’s Life
  “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.” – John 6:56
  Communion symbolizes union with Christ, drawing spiritual strength and eternal life from Him.

• To Reaffirm the New Covenant
  “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” – Luke 22:20
  Through Communion, we celebrate God’s promises of forgiveness and restoration.

• To Unite the Body of Christ
  “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” – 1 Corinthians 10:17
  Communion reminds us of our unity as the body of Christ, fostering love and harmony.

• To Examine Ourselves
  “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” – 1 Corinthians 11:28
  Communion encourages repentance, self-reflection, and alignment with God’s will.

• To Anticipate Christ’s Return
  “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26
  Communion looks forward to Jesus’ return and the eternal celebration in His kingdom.

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SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR THE HOLY COMMUNION

1. The Last Supper

Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted Holy Communion, teaching His disciples to partake of the bread and wine in remembrance of Him. This act symbolizes His impending sacrifice for humanity’s sins.

Key Lessons:

• Jesus offered His body and blood as the foundation of the new covenant.

• Communion reminds believers of His sacrificial death and their covenant relationship with God.

Takeaway:
Holy Communion calls believers to remember Christ's ultimate sacrifice and proclaim His death until His return.
Action Step:
Partake in Holy Communion with reverence and gratitude, reflecting on Christ's love and grace.

2. The Passover Meal

Exodus 12:1-30
The institution of the Passover foreshadowed the significance of Holy Communion. The Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood, sparing them from judgment. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, fulfilled this symbolism through His death.

Key Lessons:

• The blood of the lamb brought protection and deliverance, pointing to Jesus' atoning sacrifice.

• Holy Communion continues the theme of redemption and deliverance through Christ.

Takeaway:
Holy Communion reflects the deliverance Jesus provides from sin and eternal death.
Action Step:
Celebrate Holy Communion with an awareness of Jesus as the perfect Passover Lamb.

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KEEP IN MIND

Communion is a Community Meal

“Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” – 1 Corinthians 10:17
This verse emphasizes that Communion is a collective act, symbolizing the unity of believers as the body of Christ.

“When you come together to eat, wait for each other.” – 1 Corinthians 11:33
Paul instructs the church to take Communion together, showing it is not meant to be an isolated act but a communal one.

Be in a Place of Forgiveness

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25
This verse reminds us that forgiveness is essential before approaching God in any act of worship, including Communion.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24
Reconciliation with others is a prerequisite for worship and honoring God.

Taking Communion in Reverence to Avoid Judgment

“So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 11:27
Paul warns that irreverence in taking Communion brings guilt and dishonor to Christ’s sacrifice.

“That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment.” – 1 Corinthians 11:30-31
Paul explains that taking Communion with unresolved sin or offenses can lead to spiritual and physical consequences.

• You can use grape juice and crackers to participate or order this for future meals.

Holy Communion Prayer

Opening Prayer of Preparation
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who gave His life for the forgiveness of our sins. As we come to Your table, we humble ourselves before You, confessing our sins and acknowledging Your grace. Cleanse our hearts, purify our thoughts, and help us partake of this Holy Communion with reverence, gratitude, and faith. May this moment draw us closer to You and remind us of the sacrifice that redeems us. Amen.

Prayer for the Bread
Lord Jesus,
We hold this bread as a symbol of Your body, broken for us. You willingly suffered and bore the punishment that we deserved, so that we might find healing and wholeness. As we eat this bread, we remember Your sacrifice and commit ourselves to live in obedience and love, reflecting Your character in all we do. Thank You for being the Bread of Life. Amen.

Scripture Reference:
“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.’” – 1 Corinthians 11:24

Prayer for the Cup
Heavenly Father,
We lift this cup in remembrance of the blood of Jesus, shed for the remission of our sins. Your Word says that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness, and through this precious blood, we are made clean and brought into covenant relationship with You. As we drink, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes and rejoice in the victory of the cross. Thank You for the eternal life this sacrifice has given us. Amen.

Scripture Reference:
“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.’” – 1 Corinthians 11:25

Closing Prayer of Thanksgiving
Gracious Lord,
We thank You for the privilege of coming to Your table and partaking in this holy sacrament. Strengthen our faith, renew our spirits, and fill us with Your love as we go forth to live for Your glory. May this communion nourish us and remind us of the unity we share as the body of Christ. Empower us to be Your witnesses in the world, walking in Your truth and grace every day. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Affirmation Scripture:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1