What is Communion all about?
The most famous story of communion in the Bible is the story of The Last Supper. It was Jesus’ last dinner with His disciples before He was killed. You can read the story in Matthew 26, Luke 22 or Mark 14.
Jesus took the bread, broke it, and said “Eat. This is My body.” Then, with the cup of wine, He explained further.
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
Jesus asked us to carry out this simple tradition to remember that He gave His life for our lives. That He was poured out to wash away our sins. Like baptism, communion is a spiritual symbol and reminder of what Jesus has done. But it holds power not only as a symbol, it also reminds us to invite the Holy Spirit to examine our lives and to continue to do His work of washing us by the grace of Jesus.
Taking Communion at Home
- If you are not familiar with the meaning of communion, use the Scriptures above for an explanation on how it came about and what it’s for.
- Jesus and His followers used wine and unleavened bread, but it is simplest to use grape juice and whatever bread or crackers you have available. If you can’t find grape juice, another juice will do. (You can even use water.) What’s important is focusing on the meaning of this spiritual symbol.
- Pray for the "bread" in this first part of communion. For example, while holding the bread, a symbol of Jesus’ body, say:
Jesus asked us to eat this to remember that He gave His body for us. Let’s pray. God, thank You for sending Jesus who not only lived for us, but died for us. The Son of God, who came in the body of a man, gave Himself up so we could live! Thank You that His body was raised back to life. Thank You that because of the grace of Jesus we have real life, and we can live forever in You. Amen. Okay, go ahead and eat the bread. - Next, pray for the cup during this second part of communion. For example, while holding the cup, a symbol of Jesus’ blood, say:
Jesus asked us to drink this cup to remember that our sins are washed by the powerful new covenant Jesus made possible between us and God. Let’s pray. God, what an incredible picture this is of Your love for us. You allowed Your only Son to literally be poured out so that we could be in a fully restored relationship with You. Thank You, Jesus, for giving your blood. Amen. Go ahead and drink the cup. - Remembering what Jesus did while taking communion can feel like a somber moment, and that’s okay. But don’t forget, this is an incredible reason to celebrate. You are encouraged to not just experience the symbol of communion but to live in its truth. We are set free because Jesus is alive and giving us life to the full.
- Reflect and share anything you feel like God might have been helping you to see or remember while taking communion.