Coming to the Table

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

It happens in the same fashion week after week and yet, it has the power to surprise me again and again. When the words begin to ring inside my head, my heart quickens and my senses heighten.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, 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.” 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.”

Yes, I’m describing the Lord’s Supper, one of the two sacraments celebrated by Protestants. And celebrate we do. Each week those worshipping with my congregation have the opportunity to receive communion, being challenged and changed by ancient words and going forward row-by-row to receive the elements.

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

The weeks when I enter worship ready and attentive, these words never fail to powerfully meet me. I am reminded of my own salvation, Christ’s sacrifice, eternal life, my need for God, my continuing sanctification and my charge to work with my brothers and sisters of the universal church.

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

The first time I heard these words, I wasn’t so sure about them. “FEED on HIM in my HEART?” But as I reflected on them I was struck by the simplicity of the metaphor. Like earthly food, I have a desperate need for Christ. I have to be in communion with him. And so, each week I look forward to the culmination of worship, aware that I need to be reminded of my inability to serve God on my own.

And when those assisting give me bread and wine and call them the “bread of heaven” and “the cup of salvation” given for me, I am quick to say, “AMEN!” “Amen,” or more literally, “truly,” is an expression of the purest attitude of my heart at that very moment. In that fellowship with Christ and His Church I lose myself and find, again and again, my need for God. And so I shuffle back to my seat and kneel on the concrete floor, ever thankful for Christ and His table, and the chance to come back again in worship next week.