Communion
Invitation:
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, Lord God, for you have been everything you call us to be. You have been pure in heart, for you called Israel to be your people in whom all would find a blessing. You have been merciful, for in your tender mercy you made the dawn from on high to break upon your people, to guide us in the ways of peace. You have been a peacemaker, for in Jesus you broke down the dividing wall of hostility. And so we gladly thank you, with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven, singing the hymn of your unending praise.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Pastor: God our companion, in Jesus you comfort those who mourn and replendish those who hunger and thirst. Fill your people now, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that you children may be sanctified by your grace, and these gifts of bread and wine may be for us the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ: Who, at supper with his disciples, took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, and gave it to them, saying, “Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup. Again he gave you thanks, and gave it to this disciples, saying, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” Great is the mystery of faith.
Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again!
God of glory, you promise that the meek will inherit the earth, and that to the poor in spirit belongs the kingdom of heaven. Visit now those who are persecuted for your righteousness and reviled on account of your name. Shape your church to reflect the image of those you call blessed, and lead all whom you call blessed to find a home in your church, that the church may be full of your prophets, and your prophets may be full of your grace, until all tongues cease and tears are shed no more, in the presence and communion of your Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, ever one God.
Amen.
(Eucharistic Prayer by Samuel Wells and Abigail Kocher)
Sharing of the Gifts of Bread and Cup:
Look. Here is your Lord, coming to you in bread and wine. The gifts of God for the people of God.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God, your bread and your cup renew our spirits. No matter the times we have failed to show up to your call, or to our own needs, or to the cries of our neighbors, you receive us again. May your unending grace be our foundation as we journey with Christ towards justice. Amen.
