About the Lord's Supper

ABOUT THE LORD’S SUPPER

THE LORD'S SUPPER IS CALLED....

(1) "The Lord's Supper" because it was instituted by the Lord Jesus the Christ (Matthew 26: 26-28).

(2) "Holy Communion" (from Aramaic root "draw near") because we are one with the Father, Jesus the Christ, and one another, meeting together in "one accord" (John 17:32; Acts 2:46).

(3) "Eucharist" (Greek - "thanksgiving") because the Holy Ghost bestows physical and spiritual gifts through it (Matthew 7:11).

(4) "The Sacrament" (Latin - "holy thing") because it is a holy contract is which we fulfill with expectancy (Acts 3:2-8).

WHAT METHODISTS BELIEVE

"We believe the sacraments, ordained by Christ, are symbols and pledges of the Christian's profession and of God's love toward us. They are (1) means of grace by which (2) God works invisibly in us, (3) quickening, (4) strengthening and (5) confirming our faith in him.... We believe the Lord's Supper is a (6) representation of our redemption, a (7) memorial of the sufferings and death of Christ, and a (8) token of love and union which Christians have with Christ and with one another. Those who rightly, worthily and in faith eat the broken bread and drink the blessed cup partake of the (9) body and blood of Christ in a spiritual manner until he comes." --The Book of Discipline (1980) pp. 64,65. One might greatly benefit from meditating on each of my nine points.

PREPARING FOR THE LORD'S SUPPER

(1) Be prayerfully prepared before arriving at the church.

(2) Make every attempt to put aside all distractions.

(3) Come expecting to receive more grace from the Lord. Expect! Expect! Expect! Expect! Expect! Expect! Expect! One may expect grace upon grace, or may be more specific in expectations, for such as healing, empowerment, loved ones, deliverance, financial, wisdom, etc.

WHEN PARTAKING, KEEP IN MIND

(1) Savior Jesus came to bring wholeness to every area of life (John 10: 10). Wholeness includes forgiveness of sins (Mark 10:45), and healing of mind and body (1:21-28).

(2) All things came to be through the Savior Jesus. Everything - even the adversary - is subject to his power. Yet this great power of life may be appropriate by the partaker.

(3) Jesus Christ is alive now, present with the communicant in spirit, and is soon returning.

REASONS FOR THE LORD'S SUPPER

(1) Confessional - we confess our sins;

(2) Memorial - we relive Jesus' passion;

(3) Celebratory - we rejoice in Jesus' gifts gladly;

(4) Purposeful - we accept the body and blood for our petitions;

(5) Sacramental – we acknowledge the elements as really him.

METHODS

(1) Intinction (dipping) - quick, for large crowds;

(2) Altar - kneeling or holding hands - for meaningful communion with God;

(3) Situated - all are seated - elements passed around - comfortable and private.

(4) Common – all share a common cup.

WHO ADMINISTERS

In the church, only a licensed or ordained minister may officiate, but the congregation is encouraged to serve communion to their families on holidays, get-togethers, reunions, or for shut-ins or people who are ill.

LORDS’ SUPPER SCRIPTURES

There are many. The most meaningful to me are:

John 6:30-60 This is the most important passage for me.

1 Corinthians 10:16-23, 11:23-31 The earliest writings on the subject.

Matthew 26 An account of the Passover.

Search your concordance under “Passover” of “Feast of Unleavened Bread”

FAVORITE HYMNS AND READINGS

“One Bread, One Body” UMH 620

“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent” 626

“Bread and Justice” 639

“Bread of the World” 624

“There Is a Fountain” 622

“Let Us Break Bread Together” 618

“Deck Thyself, My Soul, With Gladness” 612

FAVORITE BOOKS

Eucharistic Miracles Joan Carroll Cruz

On the Imitation of Christ Thomas à Kempis