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
©Jackson
Snyder, 1994
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