Intro

As we come to The Lord’s Table hear again the words from Hebrew 4:9-11: “So there is a special rest, still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest…..” 

What does that mean? Jesus gave Himself for us on the cross so that we could be forgiven and cease from our striving to earn salvation from God. Instead we receive it by faith. As we eat and drink the bread and the juice we receive afresh that forgiveness and grace and new life as pure gift and then give ourselves to follow Jesus day by day b/c of what He has done for us.

Personal Confession

Let’s pause for a moment of personal prayer. God made us to love Him with all our hearts and minds, and to love our neighbors as ourselves – starting with those closest to us. We want to take a few moments to confess our shortcomings to God and ask for His forgiveness. And if there are those with whom we need to make things right, we can resolve to do that before we eat and drink together. Or maybe there is an attitude or habit that we are struggling with that we know doesn’t please God – confess that to Him as well.

Maybe Jesus is inviting you to be renewed in your faith in what He has done for you so that you can cease trying to earn your keep with Him. I will give you a moment of quiet to express those thoughts to God. 

Public Prayer of Confession

Please join me as we pray together. 

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against You
in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, 
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved You with our whole hearts; we have not always loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in Your will,
and walk in Your ways, to the glory of Your Name. Amen.  

Read Matthew 26:26-29

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Guidance for Parents 

This table is for those who have come to know and follow Jesus. If you have guided your children into that kind of relationship with Jesus and have instructed them on the meaning of The Lord’s table in a way that they can understand, your children are also welcome to participate or not participate depending on where they are at in their understanding and faith journey. We don’t rush participation at this table; but welcome all who are ready to eat and drink.

Invitation to Visitors 

You are welcome to eat and drink if you are a follower of Jesus who desires to grow in faithfulness to Him. Come and eat and drink of His love and forgiveness.

Additional Directions

Provide specific directions for how people are to eat and drink depending on the format. 
Invite musicians to eat and drink first so they can lead us in singing.