Holy Communion (also referred to as Eucharist) is a ritual that serves to re-enact the Lord's Supper in which the Disciples of Christ gave thanks. During the Lord's Supper, Christ instructed His Disciples to eat and drink as these were his body and blood, respectively. Moreover, it was through his body and blood that they entered into the new covenant, and were granted forgiveness for their sins.
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying "Take and eat; this is my body."
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:26-28) (NIV)
As followers of Christ, we are also instructed to participate in this ritual of remembrance for the blood shed by our Lord and Savior for the forgiveness of our sins. However, it is necessary that we reflect on the reasons that we undertake this ritual, and repent of our sins, before consuming sacrament. We must examine our motives, test our hearts, and come to this meal in holy awe.
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. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. (1 Corinthians 11:27-29) (NIV)
As illustrated in this passage, what we must solemnly realize is that every time we eat of the sacramental bread and every time we drink of the sacramental wine, we reenact in our words and actions the death of Christ. We will be drawn back to this meal again and again until Jesus returns. However, we must not allow familiarity to breed contempt. Fore, anyone who eats the bread or drinks the wine of Jesus irreverently is like part of the crowd that jeered and spit on him at his death. Is that the kind of “remembrance” we want to be part of?
Step 1: Purchase Supplies Necessary for Communion
For convenience, crackers and 100% grape juice will suffice. These items may be readily purchased at your local grocery store. Or, if you prefer you may go the route of purchasing communion cups from your nearest Christian Supply store.
Step 2: Preparation for Communion
Set aside a cracker and small amount of grape juice, or a communion cup, depending on what you decided in Step 1. Now it is time to consecrate the offering. Please remember that this must be performed in a most reverent manner in order to serve as the body and blood of our Lord and Living Savior, Jesus Christ.
Repeat the following prayer over the sacrament.
‘Heavenly Father, through the benevolence you have shown unto me I possess the food and drink I now supplicate as an offering. I offer these things that the earth has provided, and human hands have made. I pray that my sacrifice may be acceptable unto you. May you accept this offering for the praise and glory of Jesus Christ, for my sake and for the good of all true believers. Father, I ask that you make these gifts holy by the power of your Spirit, and that they may become the body and blood of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at whose command we celebrate the Eucharist. Praise be to you, our God, forever. Amen!’
Prior to proceeding to the next step have your sacrament ready.
Step 3: The Ritual of Communion
Before beginning, please take a few minutes to examine yourself privately and silently confess to our heavenly Father those trespasses for which you seek redemption.
Read the following to yourself.
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” (Matthew 26:26) (NIV)
Take the wafer into your hand.
Read the following aloud.
‘The body of Christ.’
While reflecting on this statement, eat of the body that was sacrificed for you.
Read the following to yourself.
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28) (NIV)
Take the drink into your hand.
Read the following aloud.
‘The blood of Christ.’
While reflecting on this statement, drink of His blood that was shed for you.
† Now take a few moments to deeply and privately commune with our heavenly Father.