The Lord’s Supper immediately follows the Service of the Word. The Table is commonly spread with a clean white cloth. An overlay may be used in the color of the season, and candles may be lit to signify that Christ, the light of the world, is present at the Table. Only bread and wine (the fruit of the vine—not necessarily alcoholic), the elements which Christ ordained, may be used (see Catechism Question 46). If wine cannot be obtained, bread alone is sufficient to observe the feast. The church should keep their eyes open for the eucharistic prayers, or at least for the Prayer of Consecration, since the sacrament is ordained as a visible sign of God’s grace. The Prayer of Consecration contains the words of institution, which must never be omitted.
THE INVITATION
If you truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from this point forward in his holy ways; draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God.
THE CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; we acknowledge and lament our many sins, which we have, from time to time, most grievously committed, by thought, word, and deed, against your divine majesty. We earnestly repent, and are sincerely sorry for our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous to us. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. For the sake of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in your great mercy you have promised forgiveness to all who turn to you with sincere repentance and true faith. Have mercy upon us; pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE COMFORTING WORDS AND THE PEACE
One or more Scriptures may be said.
Our Savior speaks comforting words to all who truly turn to him:
- Come unto me, all you that are burdened and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
- This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, “That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15
- If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 2:1–2
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
THE OFFERTORY
Before or during the offertory, a song may be played or sung, and a time may be observed for the People to greet one another in the name of the Lord, extending peace and reconciliation (Matthew 5:23–24).
THE SURSUM CORDA AND THE SANCTUS
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up unto the Lord.
Let us give thanks unto our God.
It is fitting and right to do so.
O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God, it is very fitting, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto you.
Here a Proper Preface may be used. All say the Sanctus (“Holy, holy, holy…”). Then, “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” or another fitting hymn may be sung.
Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you, and saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Glory be to you, O Lord most high. Amen.
THE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
The congregation may be reminded to keep their eyes open for this prayer, which contains the words of institution that must never be omitted.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father; of your tender mercy, you gave your only Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption. By once offering himself there, he made a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, offering, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world.
So now, most merciful Father, we humbly ask you to bless and sanctify, with your Word and Spirit, these gifts of bread and wine; and grant that we may receive them according to the holy institution of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, in remembrance of his death and passion, and be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood.
In the same night that he was betrayed, he took* bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake* it; and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this* is my Body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
Likewise after Supper he took* the Cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink you all of this; for this* is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins: Do this as often as you shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died;
Christ is risen;
Christ will come again.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS
We do not presume to come to your Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your abundant and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your Table; but you are the same Lord whose nature it is to always have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.
THE MINISTRATION
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
Have mercy on us, and grant us your peace.
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Therefore let us keep the feast.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
The Ministers receive the Bread and Cup, and then deliver it to the people, saying,
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, [which was given for you, preserve your body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith, with thanksgiving.]
The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, [which was shed for you, preserve your body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.]
Or, the Minister may say,
The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven.
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.
If the consecrated bread or wine is consumed before all have communed, the Minister consecrates more, repeating the Prayer of Consecration. When all have communed, the Minister covers what remains of the consecrated elements with a fair linen cloth.
THE POST COMMUNION PRAYER
Other words of praise and thanksgiving (e.g., personal testimonies) may also be shared.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
THE DOXOLOGY
“Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” may be sung.
THE BLESSING AND SENDING
Then the Minister says the blessing below or another benediction.
May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Then one of these sentences may be said.
Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
Thanks be to God.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thanks be to God.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.