Today’s Reflection
Even if you are the one behind the altar, wearing the robes and waving your arms, the one who says the prayers and lifts and breaks the bread, it’s amazing how easily you can forget the powerful simplicity of what’s going on here: God is keeping God’s promise to show up, offering God’s self to us in Jesus, to give us life by pulling us into the story of God’s life. Preoccupation with saying the words right, with lifting the loaf high enough, or adjusting your stole can distract from the simple heart of this sacrament.
—L. Roger Owens, What We Need Is Here: Practicing the Heart of Christian Spirituality (Upper Room Books, 2015)
Today’s Question
When have you felt God’s presence during Communion? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
After taking the bread and giving thanks, [Jesus] broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
—Luke 22:19 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
Day by day, dear Lord,
of thee three things I pray;
to see thee more clearly,
to love thee more dearly,
to follow thee more nearly,
day by day.
—prayer attributed to Richard of Chichester, England, 13th century
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
2 Comments
One Sunday morning while streaming a church service from Nashville, I was feeling blessings from the Lord and prepared to partake of communion with the service. It was very touching and meaningful even though I wasn’t in the presence of the congregation physically. Thank you, Lord!
I think I have felt the Lord’s presence every time I take communion, even as a youngster. I knew something special was happening and felt God come close. As an adult, meeting God through Holy Communion has put my heart right when I felt all wrong and out of sorts. It is unction to my soul. Praying for all the other caregivers who post here, their loved ones, those who are sick, those who are poor in spirit.
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