The Preparation Of The Table

The following instructions are especially suited for liturgical churches. However, contemporary churches may adapt these traditions to local usage and custom.

Preparation of the Table in Liturgical Churches Bread and Wine While the wine or grape juice is purchased at a store or through liturgical supply vendors, many churches have appointed persons to bake the bread at home. Homemade bread adds a personal quality to the service and engages the gifts of the breadmaker in worship. Several brands of nonalcoholic wine (such as St. Regis) are now available for those who want wine but avoid alcohol. Table Setting The Table is bare except for candles. The deacon or server sets the Table by placing on it the corporal (tablecloth), the purificator (napkin), the chalice (drinking cup), the paten (plate for the bread), and the missal (the book of prayers). Prayers Over the Bread and Wine The celebrant takes the paten with the bread and lifts it slightly for the people to see, saying a brief prayer (said audibly or inaudibly), praising God for the gifts of creation (a Jewish tradition, not a prayer over bread, but a prayer blessing God). The Jewish prayer said with the bread is: Blessed be God, King of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth. The same may be done with the cup. The Jewish prayer with the cup is: Blessed art thou, O Lord God, King eternal, who createst the fruit of the vine. Mingling of Water and Wine A server brings a vial of water to the celebrant. Water is poured into the wine. This symbolizes the water and blood flowing from the side of Jesus. Some suggest, however, that it symbolizes the two natures in the person of Christ or the union between Christ and his people. Prayer of the Celebrant The celebrant then prays a brief audible or inaudible prayer professing his or her own need of pardon. In some traditions this prayer takes the form of a congregational prayer known as the prayer of humble access (see the traditional rite in The Book of Common Prayer). Incensation The Table, bread, and wine, are incensed as a sign of prayer going up to God. Washing of the Hands The celebrant washes his or her hands as a symbol of cleansing, while reciting audibly or inaudibly Psalm 51:4 "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight." Preparation of the Table in Contemporary Churches When the Table is prepared before the service, the work should be done in the spirit of prayer. While one is preparing bread and wine and setting the Table, the Lord's Prayer may be repeated, Scripture may be quoted, or a song may be sung. When the Table is prepared in worship, an adaptation of the liturgical approach is made according to local usage and custom.