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Thursday, 09 October 2008 15:35
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Lutheran Worship: Our Service of Holy Communion
Gathering
Word
Meal
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Meal

The same peace of God, now received and extended,
also reaches out from this assembly and into the world.
A collection of material goods for the church’s mission,
including the care of those in need,
is a sign of the giving of our whole selves in grateful response for all God’s gifts.
As the gifts are gathered, the table is set with bread and wine.
The proclamation of the Word of God
and the celebration of the Lord‘s Supper are connected.
Luther called these the two “high points” in the service of Holy Communion.
In the Word read and proclaimed, God speaks to us.
In the Lord’s Supper a
“visible word” of which Luther speaks-
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
Before the Lord’s Supper is shared,
the presiding minister leads us into thanksgiving
for the gifts of creation and redemption,
including themes of the season or festival that are the focus of this gathering.
As part of this thanksgiving we join our voices with all of creation
and sing the angels’ song, “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Isaiah 6.3).
In the meal of Holy Communion,
the grace of God’s gift for us
is always proclaimed by the presiding minister,
in Jesus’ own words of command and promise.
This clear proclamation in the words of institution
may be included in a prayer of thanksgiving,
which includes praise to God for creation,
for God’s faithfulness to the people of ancient Israel,
for God’s revelation in the saving work of Jesus Christ,
remembering the crucified and risen Christ,
and praying for the Holy Spirit in this meal.
The Great Thanksgiving concludes with the Lord’s Prayer.
In Christ’s body and blood given to us, God’s saving mission is made known.
We sing as the bread is broken and as the meal is shared.
We receive the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1.29).
We are forgiven and given new life.
Like the disciples, we recognize the presence of the risen Christ
who is made known in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24.30).
Christ, who died and rose from the dead,
is given to us and we are united with one another in the body of Christ.
Also, through this meal, God nourishes us for mission in the world.
We receive the body of Christ in the sacrament of Holy Communion
to live as the body of Christ in the world.
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