“On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24 and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.”” 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 NLT
God of the new covenant,
Today, many will be taking what we call communion in services that have developed over time with different traditions. Some will use wafers, some crusty bread torn up and some neatly sliced squares, some unleavened bread. Some will use wine and some non alcoholic. Some one cup though since Covid many use the little individual communion glasses. Some will recite the familiar communion service others will read scripture and pray. The Salvation Army do not take communion in a service but remember His broken body and shed blood in worship and saying grace before meals.
What ever the practice, however the delivery, Jesus intended it to be something that brought us back to basics, kept us in remembrance of what he gave so we could have a new covenant of grace with You, God. Paid for, delivered through and only because of the cross.
Today we worship You, our generous, compassionate, ever giving God. And as often as we eat and drink we will give thanks not just for our daily bread but for our life in Christ.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of the new covenant,
Family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, our church community. We are wealthy indeed Lord. We pray that You would bless all the people we cherish with all they need for a good life. Grant them fulfilment and joy. For those we have not been able to see and where we hear there is separation we pray You would grant a breakthrough and a coming back together.
We pray for the many who will be in worship and not fully understand all they can have in Christ. Who are holding on to guilt and unworthiness and pray You will grant them understanding and freedom.
We pray for those who hold unforgiveness in their heart would be able to let it go and let You be the judge. Help us to keep communion as personal, just me and you keeping our covenant good.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 3rd September 2023
Oh, how could it be
That my God would welcome me
Into this mystery?
Say, “take this bread, take this wine”
Now the simple made divine
For any to receive
By Your mercy we come to Your table
By Your grace You are making us faithful
Lord, we remember You
And remembrance leads us to worship
And as we worship You
Our worship leads to communion
We respond to Your invitation
We remember You
See His body, His blood
Know that He has overcome
Every trial we will face
None too lost to be saved
None too broken or ashamed
All are welcome in this place
Chorus
Dying, You destroyed our death
Rising, You restored our life
Lord Jesus, come in glory
Lord Jesus, come in glory
Dying, You destroyed our death
Rising, You restored our life
Lord Jesus, come in glory
Lord Jesus, come in glory
Lord Jesus, come in glory
Jesus come
Chorus
Oh, we remember You
We remember You
We remember You