The Closing Communion Doxology

The concluding prayer of the Eucharist is a laudatory statement of praise. Following the primitive model of the Jewish meal prayer, the prayer gives glory to God for his provision; the people respond with the Amen. In this way the worship at the Table ends on a strong note of praise. Here are several examples:

Traditional Through him, glory to thee, and honor, to the Father and to the Son, with the Holy Spirit, in the holy church, now and forever. Amen. (Hippolytus, The Apostolic Tradition) Contemporary Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer) or Almighty and ever-living God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer) Instructions for Preparing the Closing Doxology Direction Example Begin with an ascription of praise. Eternal God, heavenly Father,   Continue with a proclamation of what God You have graciously accepted us as has done for the congregation in the living members of your Son, our Communion. Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the sacrament of his Body and Blood.   Continue with a request for God's Send us now into the world in peace, continued presence in life and work. and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart;   End with an appropriate ascription. Through Christ our Lord.