2016 Wesleyan Discipline:5615

5615. (The elements of the Lord’s Supper shall be placed upon a table and covered with a white linen cloth. The minister shall read a Scripture lesson, such as one of the following:

Isa. 53; Matt. 26:26–29; 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:Luke 22:14-20; Rom. 5:1–2, 6–12, 18–21; 1 Cor. 10:16–17; 11:23–29; Eph. 1:3–12; 2:1–10, 12–22; Heb. 9:11–17, 22–28; 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:1 Peter 1:18-23; 2:21–25.)

(Then the congregation shall sing a hymn, such as one of the following: “2016 Wesleyan Discipline:Alas! and Did My Saviour Bleed,” “2016 Wesleyan Discipline:Man of Sorrows, What a Name,” “2016 Wesleyan Discipline:When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “2016 Wesleyan Discipline:Arise, My Soul, Arise,” “2016 Wesleyan Discipline:My Faith Looks Up to Thee,” “2016 Wesleyan Discipline:Rock of Ages,” “2016 Wesleyan Discipline:There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood.”)

(Then the minister may preach a sermon on some phase of the Lord’s Supper. Afterwards the congregation may sing another hymn such as one of those listed above. Then the minister shall direct the people as to the plan for distribution of the elements of the Supper, either directing them to come and kneel at the altar or to be served while seated, in either instance using this invitation:)

You who are walking in fellowship with God, and are in love and harmony with your neighbors; and you who do truly and earnestly repent of your sin and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from this time in His holy ways, draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and meekly make your humble confession to Almighty God.

(Then the minister shall remove the cloth, folding it neatly, and laying it to one side. Then the minister shall pray the prayer of consecration:)

O God of grace and mercy, we thank You that You ever loved us and provided for our redemption. We thank You for Your Son who died to save us, and for Your Spirit who invites us to draw near. Guide us now as we commemorate the suffering of our Lord. Help us to remember the cost of our salvation. Help us to commune with You and with each other. And so consecrate the bread and the cup which are here prepared, that as we partake of them we may receive the spiritual benefits of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. In His name we pray. Amen.

(Then the minister shall first partake of the bread, and then distribute it to the people, saying:)

The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you, preserve your soul and body unto everlasting life. Take and eat this remembering that Christ died for you, and feed on Him in your heart, by faith, with thanksgiving.

(Then the minister shall partake of the cup, and then distribute it to the people, saying:)

The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, preserve your soul and body unto everlasting life. Drink this remembering that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.

(After all have partaken, let that which remains of the consecrated elements be returned to the table, and covered with the white linen cloth. Then let the minister pronounce the benediction:)

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; and the blessings of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.