1Leading A Communion Service at Home
One of my elders suggested I give encouragement and instruction to families in how to lead a communion service in your homes. Since we’ve been unable meet publically as a congregation, the blessing of communion has been missed. Although, taking communion as a church family is preferable, there is opportunity to share in communion as couples and families in the home.
If you are interested in leading a communion service in your home, let me give a few steps that will guide you in participating in a home communion.
Step 1: Read God’s Word regarding Holy Communion.
We practice communion because the Word of God, the Bible, instructs us to do so and promises us blessing when we do. Read the Matthew and 1 Corinthians passages to your family.
“Then he (Jesus) took the cup, gave thanks and offered 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)
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”” (1 Corinthians 11:23–25)
Step 2:
With the above verses read to the family, it would be good to explain in a few words what the family is about to participate in. Here are a few words that may be shared:
We use bread because Jesus said as He passed the bread among the disciples, “Take, eat; this is My Body;” and we use grape juice because Jesus used juice from the “fruit of the vine” (Luke 22:18) and said concerning it, “Drink from it all of you, for this is My Blood.” Even though we do not see it or even understand, God’s Word informs us that the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ is truly present in Communion, and that we receive His Body and Blood when we receive the bread and juice.
What benefit do we receive from Communion? We find it in Jesus’ words, “It is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” In communion we receive the good news of Jesus’ love and forgiveness through His death for us upon the cross in a form that we can see and touch – the bread and juice of communion. It’s as though Jesus meets us in communion through the bread and juice, and says to us, “I love you, and forgive you all of your sins through the gifts of My Body and Blood.”
Explain Communion
Step 3:
After spending a few minutes sharing and reflecting on the offer Jesus gives in communion, pass out and eat the bread with the words of Jesus, “This is my body” and the juice with the words, “This is my blood”.
Step 4: Renew the Promise of Jesus as Our Savior
After eating the bread and juice, the closing words can be shared:
Give and Eat the Bread and Juice
“Our crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ, Who now has bestowed upon you His holy body and blood, whereby He has made full satisfaction for all your sins, strengthen and preserve you in the true faith unto everlasting life. Peace be with you. Amen.”
A prayer would be appropriate as a final close to this communion service as you thank our Lord Jesus for all His good and especially His salvation to us.
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