Guidelines For A Contemporary Model Of The Lord's Supper

The following is an example of the Lord's Supper as it might be conducted in a contemporary church such as a creative or a praise-and-worship assembly. It presupposes careful preparation on the part of the minister and people. A bulletin insert may provide the order of service, the responses, and Communion hymns. The service is a single whole and is to be celebrated without announcement and in the spirit of celebration and joy.

General Guidelines Below are six guidelines for those who lead Table worship without the use of a book of prayer and/or a set form. 1. Examples of the eucharistic prayer should be received in the same spirit in which Hippolytus set forth the first known eucharistic prayer. He exhorted his readers to view the eucharistic canon as a model but not one to be slavishly followed. 2. Each pastor and local congregation of the nonliturgical traditions should study the content of the Table prayers and freely develop a form most suitable to their own local customs and tastes, seeking to retain the historic substance, meaning, and spirit of the prayers and responses. 3. Because the underlying structure of the prayer, like other parts of worship, is proclamation and response, serious attention should be given to the incorporation of the response in the eucharistic prayer. Note especially the Sursum Corda, the Sanctus, the Memorial Acclamation, the Lord's Prayer, and the Agnus Dei, or response in the breaking of the bread. Either these responses or appropriate substitutes should be used to maintain the structure of proclamation and response and to involve the congregation in a participatory way in the Prayer of Thanksgiving. 4. Because an important aspect of receiving the Communion is the personal "yes" said to the death and resurrection of Christ (for me), careful consideration should be given to the manner of reception. Symbols that strengthen the personal element of faith response include: "¢ Coming forward to receive the bread and wine "¢ Giving the bread and wine to each person by name "¢ Touching the hand of the receiver as the bread is placed in the palm of the hand "¢ Instructing the receiver to say "Amen" to the words of giving both the bread and the wine 5. Because the overriding mood of Table worship is the joy of the Resurrection, special attention should be paid to the Communion song and its power to help the congregation achieve a spirit of praise. 6. Because Table worship is a special encounter with the risen Christ, who heals our infirmities, special attention should be paid to the rite of healing in connection with the reception of the elements. Specific Guidelines for Table Prayers and Leadership Invitation to the Table and Confession of Sin The leader may make a few comments inviting all who have faith in Christ to come to his Table. These comments may be followed by an invitation to examine conscience through singing a chorus such as "Create in Me a Clean Heart," followed by "We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise" or some other such song. The Prayer of Thanksgiving/The Preface Prayer The minister may pray, giving thanks to God for who he is, for his act of creation, and for his activity in history with the patriarchs, the prophets, and with the people of this congregation. Sanctus The people may then sing choruses praising God for his person, such as "Thou Art Worthy," "Blessed be the Lord God Almighty," "Glorify Thy Name," "Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord of Hosts." Thanksgiving The minister then gives thanks to God for the birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and coming again of Christ. Words of Institution The minister then says the words of institution. The Acclamation The people sing again, acclaiming the wonder of Christ and the gospel in songs such as "All Hail King Jesus," "Jesus, Name Above All Names," "Worthy Is the Lamb." The Remembrance The minister continues in prayer, remembering the Cross, the tomb, the Resurrection, and the overthrow of the powers of evil. The Invocation of the Spirit The people then sing a prayer invoking the presence of the Holy Spirit in their midst such as "Come, Holy Spirit," "Holy Spirit," "Spirit of the God," "Spirit Song." The Lord's Prayer The people continue by singing the Lord's Prayer. The Breaking of the Bread The minister lifts the bread and breaks it and lifts the cup for all to see. Words of acclamation, such as "The Body of Christ Broken For Us" and "The Blood of Christ Shed for Us," may accompany the action. Communion The people are invited to receive the bread and wine. They either walk forward and receive it at the Table, or bread and wine is served in the pew. During the reception, choruses move the people through the death and into the Resurrection. Choruses such as "O the Blood," "You Are the Vine," "Seek Ye First," "Praise the Name of Jesus," "Emmanuel," "His Name Is Wonderful," "The Lord Liveth," or "God Reigns," are sung. Laying on of Hands After the people have communed, a prayer line may be formed for the laying on of hands and the rite of healing. The people continue to sing until all have received and been prayed for. Doxology A closing prayer may be said by the minister, or the people may sing a closing doxology such as "Lord Be Glorified" or "All Thy Works Shall Praise Thee."