This communion liturgy was put together by former COS pastoral resident Rebecca Jordan Heys. Most of it is adapted from the Book of Common Worship, page 152. The prayer after communion is from the Worship Sourcebook, page 348. It has been used a number of times in the smaller, less formal evening worship service, but it is also ideal for communion celebrated in a home or hospital.

According to Luke, when our risen Lord was at table with his disciples, he took the bread, and blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.  Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.

Holy God, we praise you.  Let the heavens be joyful, and the earth be glad.  We bless you for creating the whole world, for your promises to your people Israel, and for Jesus Christ in whom your fullness dwells.

With thanksgiving we take this bread and this cup and proclaim the death and resurrection of our Lord.  Receive our sacrifice of praise.  Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us that this meal may be a communion in the body and blood of our Lord.  Make us one with Christ and with all who share this feast.  Unite us in faith, encourage us with hope, inspire us to love, that we may serve as your faithful disciples until we feast at your table in glory.  We praise you, eternal God, through Christ your Word made flesh, in the holy and life-giving Spirit, now and forever.  Amen.

(Breaking bread and pouring cup takes place during the following words of institution.)

The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread, and after giving thanks to God, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat.  This is my body, given for you.  Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way he took the cup, saying: This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.  Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.  Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord, until he comes.

(Elements are distributed around the circle.)

Let us pray: We thank you, O God, that through Word and Sacrament you have given us your Son, who is the true bread from heaven and food of eternal life.  So strengthen us in your service that our daily living may show our thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Benediction

Closing Song (sung acapella in the communion circle)