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This coming week we will be sharing the Lord’s Supper in our congregations. Jesus fulfilled the Passover meal and gave it anew to his followers, declaring him to be the true Passover lamb who dies for his people to rescue them from the dominion of sin and darkness (Exodus 12:1-13, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Colossians 1:13-14).

We share this meal to remember, assure, hope and belong. We remember the past: his body was broken on the cross for us and his blood was poured out (Matthew 26:26-29, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25). We find assurance in the presence: sharing the meal declares we participate in his death and have all the benefits that he provides, particularly forgiveness (1 Corinthians 11:16-17). We hope: as we proclaim his death we wait in hope for his coming again (1 Corinthians 11:26). We belong: as we share together we remind ourselves and each other we are one body in him (1 Corinthians 11:17).

Before sharing the Lord’s Supper this week, we ought to examine ourselves, our hearts and our relationships and our need for God’s abundant mercy and forgiveness.

You could use the following questions:

  • Is there anyone I have sinned against and has something against me (perhaps someone in my household, place of occupation, or congregation)? What would repentance and reconciliation look like?
  • Are there any sins of the heart, mind or eyes which I need to repent of before the Lord?
  • Are there any sins of the tongue or hand which I need to repent of?
  • Are there any things I have left undone which I ought to have done?

After examining ourselves, we can pray for forgiveness and seek restoration if need be.

If you don’t know what to pray you could pray this:

Heavenly Father, you search minds and hearts and will judge all that is secret by your Son, Jesus Christ, our saviour. Show me the ways I have done what ought not to be done, or have failed to do what ought to be done. Help me see those I have not treated in ways that dishonour them and you their creator. Help me see what repentance looks like, for the sake of your Son. Thank you for the forgiveness won by Jesus on the cross. Please forgive me in his name. Amen.

Callan Pritchard
Associate Minister

 

PRAY:

Pray for Our Preparation for the Lord’s Supper

Give thanks for the Lord Jesus, the true Passover lamb, whose body was broken and whose blood was poured out to rescue his people from the dominion of sin and darkness. Ask God for humble and repentant hearts as we examine ourselves, our relationships and our need for his abundant mercy and forgiveness. Ask God to help the church remember Christ’s sacrifice, receive assurance of forgiveness, proclaim his death with hope for his return, and grow in unity as one body in him.