How to take communion LCMS-style?

[Tabouli]

Hey, everyone!
I'm new here, and I have a quick question, which isn't exactly "life-threatening" (I hope), but I figure would be good to know.
How does one receive the bread/body of Christ, particularly with regard to the position of the hands? Is it left over right, or right over left? I imagine it is important to take it up to the mouth with the right hand, but I caught myself using my left hand, and I guess I've been doing it that way for a while (it's become so automatic, I haven't even noticed how I do it!)- so I've confused myself, and can't seem to figure it out! Or is it not really important at all, just a dominant hand thing/matter of preference?
Let me know what your thoughts and/or practices are!
-Tabouli

 

[Archaenfel]

I never received a schooling, so I doubt that it's particularly relevant other than paying attention to instructions and what others are doing. Some churches do distribution / simultanious partake, while others distribute & partake. The words give proper ques; watch the services that take place before you go up and remember, neither method is sacreligious.

As for left hand / right hand, I've always done things with my left, but then I'm left-handed. Hold a hand out openly so that the pastor / elder providing service has an easy time hitting the target - that's my advice.

 

[LutheranHawkeye]

Hey, everyone!
I'm new here, and I have a quick question, which isn't exactly "life-threatening" (I hope), but I figure would be good to know.
How does one receive the bread/body of Christ, particularly with regard to the position of the hands? Is it left over right, or right over left? I imagine it is important to take it up to the mouth with the right hand, but I caught myself using my left hand, and I guess I've been doing it that way for a while (it's become so automatic, I haven't even noticed how I do it!)- so I've confused myself, and can't seem to figure it out! Or is it not really important at all, just a dominant hand thing/matter of preference?
Let me know what your thoughts and/or practices are!
-Tabouli

I receive the host on my tongue, no hand formulas required.

 

[DaRev]

It doesn't matter which hand you receive it in or which hand you eat it from.

 

[porterross]

I receive the host on my tongue, no hand formulas required.

Ditto. It keeps my mind focused on Christ and it was the way I was instructed from my youth, so handling the host myself seems unnatural.

 

[Studeclunker]

I have to agree with Porter. Just keep your mind on Christ and leave your hands to concentrate on getting the wafer from there to your mouth. Chill, don't worry about it.

 

[Lupinus]

You should only worry about your hands to the extent that you do not drop it. Right, Left....doesn't really matter.

 

[Aibrean]

As long as it's entering your mouth from a hand that's all that matters. If you worry about the process, you loose sight of the substance.

When we take communion we all line up at the altar. When the usher says "Welcome to the Lord's table" we bow, then kneel. I just cup my hands (sometimes no hand is above the other) and then when I receive the body I use my normal hand (right) and then we are offered the cup which I use my normal hand (I don't use the chalice although I have, which you just take a little sip) then when you are blessed, we all get up, bow, and then head out.

 

[LutheranHawkeye]

As long as it's entering your mouth from a hand that's all that matters. If you worry about the process, you loose sight of the substance.

When we take communion we all line up at the altar. When the usher says "Welcome to the Lord's table" we bow, then kneel. I just cup my hands (sometimes no hand is above the other) and then when I receive the body I use my normal hand (right) and then we are offered the cup which I use my normal hand (I don't use the chalice although I have, which you just take a little sip) then when you are blessed, we all get up, bow, and then head out.

Are Lutheran Churches the only churches that have the people gather around the altar? I have seen many communion services from many different denominations and it seems that they all get in a line and file in and out, or pass the elements in the pews. Of course this latter practice is just in Reformed/Methodist/non denominational churches I've seen.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Are Lutheran Churches the only churches that have the people gather around the altar? I have seen many communion services from many different denominations and it seems that they all get in a line and file in and out, or pass the elements in the pews. Of course this latter practice is just in Reformed/Methodist/non denominational churches I've seen.

Broad and High Anglicans do, and Roman Catholics do when the Tridentine Mass is used. The odd Methodist Church does as well, but very odd, as do some of the United Churches that have German Evangelical roots. There are also still a couple of Free Evangelical Congregations, and I believe that they do also.

 

[LutheranChick]

Are there other denominations that have a communion rail which partially circles the altar, in an exact 1/2 circle? I guess I should also ask- is this common in all Lutheran churches? The 'traditional Norwegian' country churches in this area (including our historic ELS churches) all have the 1/2 circle communion rail. I remembered that recently our Pastor told us there was a symbolic reason, and I could not recall, but looked it up and this is what I found online:

"(The half circle) represents the visible part of the communion of saints. The other half that cannot be seen is just as real — an invisible and almost tangible reminder of all those who complete the circle even though they now live on the other side of death."

That explanation did not come from a Lutheran website, but it was talking about a Lutheran church, so I assume this is the correct explanation. I think that is a very beautiful symbol.

Sorry if I strayed off topic.

 

[wildboar]

From what I understand the ancient practice was to make a cross with the hands with the left hand on the bottom and right hand on top and the bread would be placed in the palm of the hand. I receive it right on the tongue which lessens the chance of me exhibiting my clutziness (although does not entirely eliminate it).

 

[RadMan]

Actually is has something to do with the person that administers it. It depends on their tradition and practice. I've seen some that put it in your mouth without asking or some that just lay it in your hand. Others that will tip the chalice for you or others that let you do it. Some with individual cups.

I just go with the flow so as not to take away from the true meaning of communion.

I say just "do it".

 

[Tangible]

My wife and I were confirmed two Sundays ago and participated in communion for the first time at the Ascension Day service. I thought it was interesting that we had a rehearsal meeting before confirmation and our children's baptisms, but we weren't given a brief demonstration of the 'proper' way to receive communion. I found myself a little more distracted than I had hoped to be when I approached the rail.

 

[Archaenfel]

Just line some people up ahead of you, then do what they do. It's simple enough.

I've actually been in a few services where communion was served continuously. The motions of the ceremony really don't seem to be viewed nearly as important as the focus of your attention.

Keep in mind where you are and what you are doing - the rest will tend to itself.

 

[sierrarose]

A few years ago, one of the elders was putting a wafer in my mouth, the wafer went flying and I caught it with my hands. Since then I been using my hands and so has everyone in my family. As to which hand is used for what, I don't think it matters. Keeping in mind some believers may be missing one hand or the other. I believe God is more concerned about what is on my mind and in my heart, then which hand is doing what.
God Bless!

 

[filosofer]

My wife and I were confirmed two Sundays ago and participated in communion for the first time at the Ascension Day service. I thought it was interesting that we had a rehearsal meeting before confirmation and our children's baptisms, but we weren't given a brief demonstration of the 'proper' way to receive communion. I found myself a little more distracted than I had hoped to be when I approached the rail.

Congratulations! And welcome to the board.

When teaching adult or youth catechesis, I always take people to the altar rail during the Lord's Supper discussion, and we walk through the process of receiving the bread and wine. The first time I ask that they receive the wine from the chalice; after that they can choose which (we offered both).

 

[CaliforniaJosiah]

Actually is has something to do with the person that administers it. It depends on their tradition and practice. I've seen some that put it in your mouth without asking or some that just lay it in your hand. Others that will tip the chalice for you or others that let you do it. Some with individual cups.

I just go with the flow so as not to take away from the true meaning of communion.

I say just "do it".

I agree....

Lutherans have this wonderful concept of "adiaphoron" - things about which there is no RULE. These days (anyway), there are a variety of customs and traditions (little "t") that just differ from congregation to congregation. ONE of the things I deeply admire in Lutheranism is the emphasis on the theology and the gift - rather than on tradition for tradition's sake.

When I visit a congregation and desire to take communion (which I tend not to do anymore - another issue for another day), my policy was ALWAYS to phone the pastor BEFORE that Sunday. Mostly this was to seek explicit invitation to join with them (which I always respected - with no offense if the invitation didn't come) but ALSO to learn their customs. And (like most guests, lol) I'd try to park myself near the back so that I could observe their traditions. Being a guest in someone else's home means respecting THEIR way of doing things. Pastors, I've found, are very open to such conversations - even appreciating it.




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[okteach5]

When I was taking confirmation (which was over 10 years ago), I seem to remember the pastor saying something about placing your hands on top of each other, so that it appears as an altar. I do this, with either hand on top, and then use the bottom hand to put it in my mouth. Ultimately, I don't believe they way to place your hands doesn't affect what the Lord's Supper is. It is still Christ's body and blood (in, with, and under)

 

[Ortho_Cat]

Are you always offered both species (bread and wine?) Do most people just take the bread? I know this is commonplace in a lot of RC churches.