Contemplating Communion

The observance of the Lord’s Supper is one of the few occasions when we as believers pray silently together. As we receive the bread and the cup, where should we direct our prayerful meditation? The Word of God urges us to use these moments:

• to seriously consider our spiritual condition and our lives. “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup” (1 Cor. 11:28).

Are we living in fellowship with God and other people? Like a red flag or a stop sign, we’re not to proceed before all is clear. Instead of feeling threatened by the checkpoint, we can welcome it as an opportunity to repent, realign with God, and know that all is well with our souls.

• to think lovingly of Jesus. “This cup is the new covenant . . . in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in [affectionate] remembrance of Me” (1 Cor. 11:25, amp).

Sometimes the chaos of life pushes Jesus to the back of our minds. At the Lord’s Table, we can contemplate a Savior who is “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24). We can tell Him how wonderful He is. We can look back to remember what amazing things He’s done for us, then look ahead in expectation because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8).

• to celebrate the gift of atonement. “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8–9).

Through the ages, Christian tradition has observed the Lord’s Supper not only as a solemn remembrance of His death but also as an occasion of praise and thanksgiving. While we do enter into Christ’s suffering, it is also appropriate to celebrate the “It is finished!” Redemption’s plan is completed and what a difference it has made in our lives!

• to anticipate His return. By our observance of Communion, we “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Cor. 11:26).

Through Jesus’ death we’ve been invited into God’s eternal presence, and one great day, He will return for His own. “Maranatha,” we can say to the Lord as His table, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20, nkjv).

By biblically centering our reflections and responses to God, we can come away from the Lord’s Table rejoicing in our right standing with Him, filled with adoration for Jesus, celebrating our redemption, and looking forward to His coming again. 

All in a few moments of silent prayer!

SANDY MAYLE is a frequent contributing writer to Prayer Connect.