What goes through your head during the Lord's Supper?

[moretap]

During Communion what do you think and feel? Is there music playing and do you listen to that? Does anyone up front read Scripture? I sometimes find these things distracting. What do you try to think about during the taking of the body? and Do you think something different during the taking of the cup? I guess just in general explain the whole process and how it works in practice outside and inside.

 

[edie19]

During Communion what do you think and feel? Is there music playing and do you listen to that? Does anyone up front read Scripture? I sometimes find these things distracting. What do you try to think about during the taking of the body? and Do you think something different during the taking of the cup? I guess just in general explain the whole process and how it works in practice outside and inside.

At Providence we practice the regulative principle of worship and so have the Lord's Table on a weekly basis. We partake of the Lord's Table during the second music portion of the worship service - except for the benediction it is the final portion of our worship. The congregation sings ~3 hymns - and people walk to the Lord's table as they desire. It generally works out that there are about 6 people at the table along with one of our elders. We join hands and pastor prays for all standing at the table - generally incorporating something from the day's sermon into his prayer and always calling to mind Jesus' sacrifice at the cross. We practice intinction, each person takes a piece of bread and dips into a common cup.

At times, yes the music does get to be slightly distracting - generally once the prayer is completed I start singing whatever hymn is in progress (while still standing at the table). There have been a couple of times that worship has ended and I realize that I was so involved in the songs (there are some hymns I just have to sing) that I forgot to go back and take communion. When I'm actually at the table though I make a serious effort to concentrate on pastor's prayer - to remember Christ, Him crucified and risen.

edie

 

[JJB]

The church we attend plays music during all of communion. I find it very distracting being a person who has a strong audible sense. For myself, I have to tune out the music and concentrate on prayer. Once in prayer, I'm focused. Sometimes we take the cup and bread in unison, sometimes individually.

It's one of my pet peeves to live in a society that doesn't value quietness.

 

[ClementofRome]

At Providence we practice the regulative principle of worship and so have the Lord's Table on a weekly basis. We partake of the Lord's Table during the second music portion of the worship service - except for the benediction it is the final portion of our worship. The congregation sings ~3 hymns - and people walk to the Lord's table as they desire. It generally works out that there are about 6 people at the table along with one of our elders. We join hands and pastor prays for all standing at the table - generally incorporating something from the day's sermon into his prayer and always calling to mind Jesus' sacrifice at the cross. We practice intinction, each person takes a piece of bread and dips into a common cup.

At times, yes the music does get to be slightly distracting - generally once the prayer is completed I start singing whatever hymn is in progress (while still standing at the table). There have been a couple of times that worship has ended and I realize that I was so involved in the songs (there are some hymns I just have to sing) that I forgot to go back and take communion. When I'm actually at the table though I make a serious effort to concentrate on pastor's prayer - to remember Christ, Him crucified and risen.

edie

I find it ironic that you say that your church practices the regulative principle and yet partakes of the Lord's Supper through intinction???

We partake through intinction and I hate it! I have not been overly vocal about it as it doesn't seem to bother anyone but me....but I would prefer eating of the body followed by actual drinking of the blood. I am sure that on the night that Jesus was betrayed they did not partake through intinction.

 

[JimfromOhio]

I am thinking "Why aren't we doing feet washing?". Actually, I think about alot of things depending on my spiritual convictions from the Holy Spirit. Could be anything but mostly that I admit I am a sinner and I should always ask for forgiveness, especially during the Lord's Supper (Communion). Its about my relationship with the Lord. Regardless what trials I face, the Bible demands immediate action, faith, surrender, committal. God's purpose is that I am to know Him and that I am to enter into the fullness of the Holy Spirit that, Jesus Christ, may be glorified in me.

That's pretty much sums it up I hope. Have a great day.
Jim

 

[Paleoconservatarian]

During Communion what do you think and feel? Is there music playing and do you listen to that? Does anyone up front read Scripture? I sometimes find these things distracting. What do you try to think about during the taking of the body? and Do you think something different during the taking of the cup? I guess just in general explain the whole process and how it works in practice outside and inside.

My church is not Reformed, so I'm not entirely sure how they do it at Reformed churches. At my church, there is music as the ushers pass out the bread, and when each of us is served, the music stops, we pray, and the pastor reminds us of what it is we are taking. Then we all take the bread. This is repeated for the cup. When I participate, I give thanks to the Lord for this meal. I also look around and take note of those who are sharing the meal with me, and thank the Lord for them as well, for bringing us all to His Table, for we are all in communion, partaking of the one loaf.

 

[pinkieposies]

During Communion what do you think and feel? Is there music playing and do you listen to that? Does anyone up front read Scripture? I sometimes find these things distracting. What do you try to think about during the taking of the body? and Do you think something different during the taking of the cup? I guess just in general explain the whole process and how it works in practice outside and inside.

Our pastor reads a passage out of the Bible, reads from his little handbook {? Don't know what that's called}, and then music is played as the bread is passed around. Then the music stops and we take a moment of silence for prayer, and then all partake at the same time. Then it is repeated again with the cups of wine.

I like that the music stops and we are allowed a moment of silent meditation, because the music can be distracting to me. I am easily distracted anyway, so I have to keep my eyes open at that time when I am praying and try to focus on the bread or the cup of wine in my hands.

We do this on the first Sunday of every month, which I really like. It kind of gives you a more frequent opportunity to take the time to really examine yourself. Not that it shouldn't be done every day, but it kind of helps keep me personally to keep focused.

I don't know about other churches though...How many times a year does everyone else take communion?

God Bless,
Erin

 

[Paleoconservatarian]

I don't know about other churches though...How many times a year does everyone else take communion?

God Bless,
Erin

We do it monthly. I think it ought to be every week.

 

[pinkieposies]

We do it monthly. I think it ought to be every week.

Are there churches that do that?

Erin

 

[McWilliams]

My church is not Reformed, so I'm not entirely sure how they do it at Reformed churches. At my church, there is music as the ushers pass out the bread, and when each of us is served, the music stops, we pray, and the pastor reminds us of what it is we are taking. Then we all take the bread. This is repeated for the cup. When I participate, I give thanks to the Lord for this meal. I also look around and take note of those who are sharing the meal with me, and thank the Lord for them as well, for bringing us all to His Table, for we are all in communion, partaking of the one loaf.

Though my church is baptist reformed we pretty much follow this procedure. It is scheduled for Sunday night about once a month. On Sunday night there is mostly church family present, fewer visitors.
I still remember the instruction of my mother that I must examine my heart and ask our Lords forgiveness! To me it is a time of remembrance of what my Lord did for me and of asking His guidance to walk nearer to His side as I leave there. My focus is to be more on what He did than what I am doing. It is a sweet time, humbling, thoughtful!

 

[Paleoconservatarian]

Are there churches that do that?

Erin

So I've heard. I've never been to one, myself.

 

[Elderone]

It's one of my pet peeves to live in a society that doesn't value quietness.

We do it monthly. I think it ought to be every week.

This is a hotly debated subject. Most of the churches I have attended have had the Lord's Supper quarterly. When attending a church that does it weekly I get the feeling that it is just another part of the service and nothing special, which is the fault of the pastor. There is much truth to the saying, "Familiarity Breeds Contempt".

Here is what we read and studied the week before Communion to prepare ourselves:

Communion Preparation
In preparation for the Lord's supper, a review may be useful of the Nicene Creed, which we will recite in place of the Apostles' Creed, and several questions from the Larger Catechism. The Larger Catechism, together with the Confession of Faith and the Shorter Catechism, are viewed as a reliable summary of what the Bible teaches and, consequently, are best presented with the Biblical references that are included below, at a minimum.
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds; God of God; Light of Light; Very God of Very God; Begotten, not made; Being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven; And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried; And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven; And sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Lord and Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. And I believe one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the Resurrection of the dead; And the Life of the world to come. Amen.

Larger Catechism Questions
Q. 168. What is the Lord's supper?
A. The Lord's supper is a sacrament of the New Testament,z wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Jesus Christ, His death is shewed forth; and they that worthily communicate feed on His body and blood, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in gracea; have their union and communion with Him confirmed;b testify and renew their thankfulness,c and engagement to God,d and their mutual love and fellowship each with other, as members of the same mystical body.e
z. Luke 22:20. a. Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
b. 1 Corinthians 10:16. c. 1 Corinthians 11:24.
d. 1 Corinthians 10:14-16, 21. e. 1 Corinthians 10:17.

Q. 169. How hath Christ appointed bread and wine to be given and received in the sacrament of the Lord's supper?
A. Christ hath appointed the ministers of His word, in the administration of this sacrament of the Lord's supper, to set apart the bread and wine from common use, by the word of institution, thanksgiving, and prayer; to take and break the bread, and to give both the bread and the wine to the communicants: who are, by the same appointment, to take and eat the bread, and to drink the wine, in thankful remembrance that the body of Christ was broken and given, and His blood shed, for them.f
f. 1 Corinthians 11:23-24; Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20.

Q. 170. How do they that worthily communicate in the Lord's supper feed upon the body and blood of Christ therein?
A. As the body and blood of Christ are not corporally or carnally present in, with, or under the bread and wine in the Lord's supper,g and yet are spiritually present to the faith of the receiver, no less truly and really than the elements themselves are to their outward senses;h so they that worthily communicate in the sacrament of the Lord's supper, do therein feed upon the body and blood of Christ, not after a corporal and carnal, but in a spiritual manner; yet truly and really,i while by faith they receive and apply unto themselves Christ crucified, and all the benefits of His death.k
g. Acts 3:21. h. Matthew 26:26, 28. i. 1 Corinthians 11:24-29.
k. 1 Corinthians 10:16.

Q. 171. How are they that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper to prepare themselves before they come unto it?
A. They that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper are, before they come, to prepare themselves thereunto, by examining themselvesl of their being in Christ,m of their sins and wants;n of the truth and measure of their knowledge,o faith,p repentance;q love to God and the brethern,r charity to all men,s forgiving those that have done them wrong;t of their desires after Christ,v and of their new obedience;w and by renewing the exercise of these graces,x by serious meditation,y and fervent prayer.z
l. 1 Corinthians 11:28. m. 2 Corinthians 13:5.
n. 1 Corinthians 5:7; Exodus 12:15. o. 1 Corinthians 11:29.
p. 2 Corinthians 13:5; Matthew 26:28. q. Zechariah 12:10; 1 Corinthians 11:31.
r. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; Acts 2:46-47.
s. 1 Corinthians 5:8; 1 Corinthians 11:18, 20. t. Matthew 5:23-24.
v. Isaiah 55:1; John 7:37. w. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.
x. 1 Corinthians 11:25-26, 28; Hebrews 10:21-22, 24; Psalm 26:6.
y. 1 Corinthians 11:24-25. z. 2 Chronicles 30:18-19; Matthew 26:26.

Q. 172. May one who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation, come to the Lord's supper?
A. One who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation to the sacrament of the Lord's supper, may have true interest in Christ, though he be not yet assured thereof;a and in God's account hath it, if he be duly affected with the apprehension of the want of it,b and unfeignedly desires to be found in Christ,c and to depart from iniquityd: in which case (because promises are made, and this sacrament is appointed, for the relief even of weak and doubting Christianse) he is to bewail his unbelief,f and labour to have his doubts resolved;g and, so doing, he may and ought to come to the Lord's supper, that he may be further strengthened.h
a. Isaiah 1:10; 1 John 5:13; Psalm 88:1-18; Psalm 77:1-4, 7-10; Jonah 2:4, 7. b. Isaiah 54:7-10; Matthew 5:3-4; Psalm 31:22; Psalm 73:13, 22-23.
c. Philippians 3:8-9; Psalm 10:17; Psalm 42:1-2, 5, 11.
d. 2 Timothy 2:19; Isaiah 1:10; Psalm 66:18-20.
e. Isaiah 40:11, 29, 31; Matthew 11:28; Matthew 12:20; Matthew 26:28.
f. Mark 9:24. g. Acts 2:37; Acts 16:30. h. Romans 4:11; 1 Corinthians 11:28.

Q. 173. May any who profess the faith, and desire to come to the Lord's supper, be kept from it?
A. Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous, notwithstanding their profession of the faith, and desire to come to the Lord's supper, may and ought to be kept from that sacrament, by the power which Christ hath left in His church,i until they receive instruction, and manifest their reformation.k
i. 1 Corinthians 11:27-34; cf. Matthew 7:6, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Jude 23,
1 Timothy 5:22. k. 2 Corinthians 2:7.

Q. 174. What is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper in the time of the administration of it?
A. It is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's
supper, that, during the time of the administration of it, with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that ordinance,l diligently observe the sacramental elements and actions,m heedfully discern the Lord's body,n and affectionately meditate on His death and sufferings,o and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces;p in judging themselves,q and sorrowing for sin;r in earnest hungering and thirsting after Christ,s feeding on Him by faith,t receiving of His fulness,v trusting in His merits,w rejoicing in His love,x giving thanks for His grace;y in renewing of their covenant with God,z and love to all the saints.a
l. Leviticus 10:3; Hebrews 12:28; Psalm 5:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17, 26-27.
m. Exodus 24:8; Matthew 26:28. n. 1 Corinthians 11:29.
o. Luke 22:19. p. 1 Corinthians 11:26; 1 Corinthians 10:3-5, 11, 14.
q. 1 Corinthians 11:31. r. Zechariah 12:10. s. Revelation 22:17.
t. John 6:35. v. John 1:16. w. Philippians 1:16.
x. Psalm 63:4, 5; 2 Chronicles 30:21. y. Psalm 22:26.
z. Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 1:5. a. Acts 2:42.

Q. 175. What is the duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord's supper?
A. The duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord's supper, is seriously to consider how they have behaved themselves therein, and with what success;b if they find quickening and comfort, to bless God for it,c beg the continuance of it,d watch against relapses,e fulfill their vows,f and encourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that ordinanceg: but if they find no present benefit, more exactly to review their preparation to, and carriage at, the sacrament;h in both which, if they can approve themselves to God and their own consciences, they are to wait for the fruit of it in due timei: but, if they see they have failed in either, they are to be humbled,k and to attend upon it afterwards with more care and diligence.l
b. Psalm 28:7; Psalm 85:8; 1 Corinthians 11:17, 30-31.
c. 2 Chronicles 30:21-23, 25-26; Acts 2:42, 46-47.
d. Psalm 36:10; Song of Solomon 3:4; 1 Chronicles 29:18.
e. 1 Corinthians 10:3-5, 12. f. Psalm 1:14.
g. 1 Corinthians 11:25-26; Acts 2:42, 46.
h. Song of Solomon 5:1-6; Ecclesiastes 5:1-6.
i. Psalm 123:1-2; Psalm 42:5, 8; Psalm 43:3-5.
k. 2 Chronicles 30:18-19; Isaiah 1:16, 18.
l. 2 Corinthians 7:11; 1 Chronicles 15:12-14.


In my opinion, if this isn't being done, it isn't being done right.

 

[ClementofRome]

We do it monthly. I think it ought to be every week.

I completely agree. I believe that it should be the culmination of all worship. I teach the Sr Adult SS class and I have broached the subject with these elders (patriarchs and matriarchs) of the church and am not getting the negative feedback that I thought that I would. They seem to be receptive to it and they are the ones who would be the least likely to break from the tradition of once a month. The younger folks all seem to want it once a week. Yes, it would add 20 miniutes to the service, but I say we are too concerned with time during worship! If you must have lunch at 12:15 then start worship 30 minutes earlier!!!

 

[JJB]

Yes, it would add 20 miniutes to the service, but I say we are too concerned with time during worship! If you must have lunch at 12:15 then start worship 30 minutes earlier!!!

There is a funny song performed by Lyle Lovett that goes along the lines of "hurry up, let the preacher finish, so we can go eat." Whenever someone complains about the service running over, I always think about this song.

 

[lmnop9876]

you get Communion monthly? that's pretty good, some churches I know have it only quarterly, twice a year, or even only once every year. I'd prefer that it was once a week myself.
my church only sings a-cappella, so we don't have to worry about music during the Lord's Supper, generally we will have the normal service, then after the collection we will have the 'fencing of the table,' then everyone will sing while the people taking communion come forward, and then we will have the blessing, the consecration, then the words of institution for the bread, after which everyone takes the bread, then the words of institution for the wine, after which everyone takes the wine, then we will pray again, we will sing, and then we have the benediction as normal.

 

[edie19]

I find it ironic that you say that your church practices the regulative principle and yet partakes of the Lord's Supper through intinction???

We partake through intinction and I hate it! I have not been overly vocal about it as it doesn't seem to bother anyone but me....but I would prefer eating of the body followed by actual drinking of the blood. I am sure that on the night that Jesus was betrayed they did not partake through intinction.

My pastor would admit it is a compromise - we practice intinction because we feel the common cup is very important, but there is a very real health issue with drinking from the same cup (we live in a world full of contagious germs & viruses).

Drinking from the individual communion cups used by many churches doesn't fit with Scripture either (as I read Matthew Jesus the Christ gave the cup to His disciples - they didn't have their own.) I've been in churches that utilize the individual cups and prefer the common cup even if we compromise and practice intinction. For me it seems more personal than passing around trays of bread and cups of juice/wine.

We do it monthly. I think it ought to be every week.

Are there churches that do that?

We share the Lord's Table weekly - based on the guidance of Acts 2:42 (And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.)


I think it could be very easy to take it for granted or lose the specialness - but our pastors always emphasize the importance of the meal, reminding us of our Lord's dying for sinners and that He will come again. They make it clear that believers are to partake of this meal by first examining them(our)selves, confessing their (our) sin, and receiving forgiveness They also point out the repurcussions of partaking of the Lord's table without being a believer, without having the correct attitude (I Corinthians 11:29)

 

[CCWoody]

Are there churches that do that?

Erin

Aye! My church does. The joys of finding my first Calvinist church (PCA).

We are encouraged to examine ourselves weekly and do not have Communion until an individual opportunity to pray, a corporate prayer for forgiveness, and an assurance of pardon read from the Scriptures. The Communion always follows the sermon (Word of God).

The thoughts in my head are personal and private, extremely intimate. I hope you all understand.

(Though, I do somethimes have zany thoughts:
#1. This would bother my Baptist & Charismatic former churches that I'm drinking wine.
#2. Does it bother Arminians that Jesus said: "This is my blood... which is shed for many."
#3. If we would switch to something 190 proof, I could light a match and actually breathe fire for the benefit of any Arminians I can convince to visit.

You know, typical wacky Calvinist stuff.)

 

[Jon_]

I'm curious, for those churches and persons who observe communion on less than a weekly basis, what is the specific reason for that? I certainly understand the "familiarity breeds contempt" line of thought, but it seems that a proper word from the pastor should defeat this problem.

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[JimfromOhio]

We do ours on the first sunday of the month (most of the time). If something is going on during the first sunday, we postpone until the following sunday. So basically, we do this once a month. There are those in our church prefer to do more frequently or one person say, every sunday. The elders say due to time during worship service, communion can only be done once a month. When we have communion, we basically skip "altar prayer time" which means we basically set at least 10 to 15 mins of personal prayer during worship service.

 

[moretap]

I like having different schedules each sunday service. At the church I'm currently attending one week we do communion, one week we have small group prayer, one week there is lunch together, we have each of these once a month. I personally would feel like communion is less special if it was weekly.


As for my thoughts, during the taking of the bread I generally confess sins, think about the fallen state of the world and the sacrifice Jesus had to make to come here. Then during the cup I think about how the blood of jesus cleansed my sins and all the other sins of the choosen. I often leave with a strong reassurance of salvation and sense of the commuinity of believers.