Is there a specific way to hold out hands when receiving the Host?

[Lprdgecko]

I'm having trouble falling asleep and my mind is thinking about random things...

I've noticed that at my home church and my "church away from home" (the one I go to while at college - both LCMS churches), each member has a different way of holding out his/her hands when receiving the Host. Some hold out only one hand, some hold out both side-by-side, etc.

My mom grew up Catholic (though is now Lutheran) and I remember she told me once that in the Catholic church they taught them to put their right hand on top of the left hand in the shape of a cross or X. That sort of stuck with me, so that's what I do. When I went through Confirmation, we were never told of a specific way to do it, so I'm assuming that that aspect of it doesn't matter too much.

Is there a preferred way to hold out one's hands during Communion? How do you/others in your congregation do it? Just curious

 

[neen1]

I usually put my right hand on top of my left hand. No one ever told me how to hold my hands, it's just want I do. I've seen many different ways from one hand to two hands, to having the host put directly in the mouth.

 

[Aibrean]

I have cupped hands, one on top of the other so I can a) make sure it doesn't fall and b) use the other hand to put it in my mouth.

 

[DaRev]

If one chooses to receive the host in their hand rather than on the tongue, they should hold their hands in such a way that makes it clear to the pastor that they wish to receive it in their hands. I see people hold their hands in a number of ways. Some are very clear that they wish to receive that way, others are not and it becomes quite akward. I think it best to hold out the hand flat so the pastor can place the Host in the palm of the hand. I have folks who reach out and take it our of my hand, which is also awkward. When I was a wee lad in the RCC we were told if we were right handed to hold our right hand under our left. We received the Host in our left hand and used our right (dominate) hand to pick up the Host and eat it. If one was left handed, they did it the opposite way.

 

[alexnbethmom]

i place my right hand over my left even though i'm right-handed, because that's what i was taught when i did my "first communion" in the RCC when i was about 10. it's what i learned and it's never left me, so that's what i do....

 

[LilLamb219]

I have my right hand cupped under my left and I hold them high so that the poor guy doesn't have to stoop down so much!

 

[DaRev]

i place my right hand over my left even though i'm right-handed, because that's what i was taught when i did my "first communion" in the RCC when i was about 10. it's what i learned and it's never left me, so that's what i do....

Now that I think about it, that may have been how we were taught. We received the Host in our dominate hand and picked it up with the other.

 

[Lprdgecko]

Thanks for the answers, everyone!

I have my right hand cupped under my left and I hold them high so that the poor guy doesn't have to stoop down so much!

I never thought of this before... That must be hard on the pastor's back after a while... Next Sunday I'll try to remember to hold my hands up higher

 

[QuiltAngel]

I have my right hand cupped under my left and I hold them high so that the poor guy doesn't have to stoop down so much!

This is how I do it too.

 

[Tangible]

I receive on the tongue.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

I receive on the tongue.

I do that too when it is available. The elder that gives my family communion said he is more comfortable putting it in our hands though. My husband also will put into hands if they are offered (gladly) but if they don't offer hands then he'll place on the tongue. He is perpetually worried about dropping a wafer that way though.

 

[DaRev]

I will only receive on the tongue when given by an ordained.

 

[Tangible]

I will only receive on the tongue when given by an ordained.

Why is this, DaRev?

 

[DaRev]

Why is this, DaRev?

Because the ordained is the one specifically given the authority to administer the Sacrament. The Body anf Christ is to be distributed by the called and ordained pastor. A lay assistant can give the cup only after the ordained has admitted one to the table by giving the host.

 

[Tangible]

I see. But what does this have to do with receiving on the tongue vs. in the hand?

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

I receive on the tongue.

As do I.

 

[gracefulone1980]

I cup my hands also...and now that I think about it, I think most in our congregation do it that way. Unless, they get it on the tongue.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

I see. But what does this have to do with receiving on the tongue vs. in the hand?

I'd like to know the answer to this as well.

Perhaps Rev consecrates his own bread when he's holding it??

Obviously the WELS believes that elders who assist in communion have been called by God to serve in that capacity.

 

[alexnbethmom]

I'd like to know the answer to this as well.

Perhaps Rev consecrates his own bread when he's holding it??

um - no. and is there some specific reason for the snarkiness?

 

[DaRev]

I see. But what does this have to do with receiving on the tongue vs. in the hand?

Personal preference.

The LCMS teaches that the one who is called and ordained to the office of the public ministry has the God-given responsibility to be the "steward of the mysteries", that is the responsibility to care for and administer the Sacraments. It is the responsibility of the one called and ordained into that office to admit or deny admission to the table. That is not a responsibility given to the laity, nor a responsibility that a layman should desire.