When you have examined yourself according to Christ’s bidding (1 Corinthians 11:28), come to His Supper rejoicing, just as Jesus asks, knowing that our Lord meets you at His altar with joy. Those coming to the altar for a blessing rather than the Holy Supper are asked to cross their arms over their chest.
For further study, see Matt. 5:23f.; 10:32f.; 18:15–35; 26:26–29; 1 Cor. 11:17–34.
Prayer Before Reception of Holy Communion
Dear Savior, we come to Your table at Your gracious invitation to eat and drink Your holy body and blood. Let us find favor in Your eyes to receive this holy sacrament in faith for the salvation of our souls and to the glory of Your holy name; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer After Reception of Holy Communion
Dear Lord Jesus, we thank and praise You that You have again refreshed us with the gift of Your holy body and blood in this comforting sacrament. Bless our participation that we may depart from Your presence with peace and joy in the knowledge that we are reconciled to God. We ask this in Your name. Amen.
A Joyful Confession
All members of our congregation who have publicly confessed this sacred gift and its blessings are encouraged to commune. Other guests wishing to join our confession and receive this Holy Sacrament are asked to meet with a pastor in the weeks before communing for the first time.
The Lord’s Supper is joyfully received here at St. John. At the altar, our Lord Jesus Christ delivers His true body and blood into our mouths. His gift of body and blood, given in, with, and under the bread and wine, bestows tremendous benefits. His body and blood forgive our sins, strengthen our faith, bind us to the Lord, and unite us with each other. In this is life and salvation.
The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul write: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
First Communion
The Rite of First Communion is offered at various times in the year when a child is ready to receive the Sacrament for the first time. Baptized children and youth of the congregation, as well as new guests, are admitted to the Lord’s Supper through the Rite of First Communion after they have:
- Learned by heart and are able to recite the primary texts of the Six Chief Parts:
- The Ten Commandments
- The Apostles’ Creed
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:16 (Baptism)
- John 20:22–23 (Confession)
- The Words of Institution (Sacrament of the Altar)
- A desire to receive the Lord’s Supper
- Parents who believe they are ready to receive the Sacrament
- Their pastor’s examination of their confession of faith in the presence of their parents and/or sponsors
- Faithful, regular attendance of the majority of Divine Services
- Faithful, regular attendance of Sunday School or Bible classes when offered
- Participated in individual Confession & Absolution in an age-appropriate manner
For more information or to schedule First Communion instruction, contact Pastor Gillespie or see the Catechesis & Confirmation page.