Communion at Home
Communion is typically the pinnacle of our gatherings together. We remember Christ’s death and resurrection and remember his promises, including his return. We participate in God's hospitality, inviting the needy and broken to eat with him.
In some denominations, communion can only be served by a priest. We at 24 church believe every follower of Jesus is given a priestly role in God’s Kingdom (1 Peter 2:5-9). In the coming weeks, as we are unable to all gather together for worship, we encourage you to continue to celebrate communion in your homes with your family.
Some tips:
While symbolic, it's important to pick elements that honor the practice of communion. Sometimes this is not possible, but do your best. A piece of bread (or cracker) represents Jesus’ broken body, and grape juice or wine represents His shed blood.
To remain vigilant on the viral front, whoever prepares the elements should wash their hands thoroughly, pre-separate the pieces of bread, and avoid sharing a cup.
Scripturally, we are commanded to examine our hearts (1 Corinthians 11) before participating, and the liturgy below will help towards that end.
Remember that communion is only for followers of Jesus, if your kids or other members of your household are not yet followers of Jesus, they shouldn’t participate.
Finally, try to take communion with at least one fellow believer. Communion is a communal act of the church. If no other believers are in your family, Facetime or call a friend who’s a Christian and take communion together digitally.
Here is a basic communion liturgy to help you participate in communion at home with your family.
CONFESSION OF SIN
REPEAT ALOUD TOGETHER:
"Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in Your will, and walk in Your ways, to the glory of Your Name. Amen.”
REFLECT
Take a moment to recount the ways you personally have fallen short of God's ways and wisdom this week. And then confess your sins silently to God.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
REPEAT ALOUD TOGETHER:
"The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:8-12
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
HOLD UP THE BREAD & HAVE SOMEONE READ:
“On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he blessed it, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
Eat the Bread
HOLD UP THE CUP & HAVE SOMEONE READ:
“After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, ‘Drink this, all of you: This is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.’ ”
Take a Sip of Juice
End your time together in prayer, and thank Jesus for his death and resurrection.
* Adapted in part from Doxa Church - https://www.doxa-church.com/blog/post/communion-at-home
