Worshipping in Spirit and Truth at the Lord’s Supper

It is not a matter to be lightly regarded that we have been invited by the Lord of glory to be a guest at His Supper. This is the special privilege of those who walk in the truth. Would it bother you if you were uninvited or barred from participating? If so, then cherish your inclusion. Remember the following things:

1. It was on the eve of His death that the Lord established this memorial to bring our minds again and again to His awesome sacrifice for us.
   
    
2. He said, "With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer" (Luke 22:15). Surely He feels the same way about your presence at this supper.
   
    
3. Be aware that He is invisibly present observing the thoughts in your mind. He said, "There am I in the midst" (Matthew 18:20).
   
    
4. Come prepared to bring the "sacrifice of praise to Him" (Hebrews 13:15) given from a life that has been presented to the Savior as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1–2).
   
    
5. Come before the worship time begins so as not to be late for your appointment—"When the hour had come," He sat down with the disciples (Luke 22:14).
   
    
6. Remember the need for self-examination before you come and the severe penalty for careless partaking (1 Corinthians 11:26).
   
    
7. Consider that a unity among us as believers is expressed in the one loaf. Therefore lay aside differences or ill will toward anyone before partaking. "Be reconciled to your brother" before offering your spiritual gift (Matthew 5:24).
   
    
8. Remember you are anticipating His return at anytime and that this feast is only "till He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26).
   
    
9. Be clear as to your motivation and purpose in coming. Is it love for Christ (II Corinthians 5:14)? You are called here to give, not to get—to have a feast of thanksgiving, not a time of confession or of focusing on self. Think about Him and forget about yourself.
   
    
10. Remember that you are a priest (1 Peter 2:5) bringing sacrifices within the "holy of holies" where God is present (Hebrews 9:3, 10:19–21). You are not barred by railings from an altar, nor represented by clergy who have some higher access. You are acting in a position of highest privilege. You can have simple, open and participative worship (1 Corinthians l4:26–37)—except for women who are to be silent in public meetings (1 Corinthians 11:34).
    
     
11. Remember Him who is the Bread of Life, who came down from heaven that you might have life (John 6:32–33, 51). His life was sacrificed to save you from eternal punishment. This is the memorial of His Body, given for you (Luke 22:19). As the bread passed through the fire, so He passed through the fires of judgment for you.
    
     
12. The cup represents His blood shed for the forgiveness of your sins (Matthew 26:28). His blood cleanses you from all sin (past, present and future) according to God’s Word (I John 1:7). That blood was shed for you in suffering love.
    
     
13. Remember that hearty praise is a foretaste of your eternal occupation, worshipping the Lamb! Come with hearts overflowing with this good theme (Psalm 45:1).

Other Documents:

       Why remembering the Lord by the Breaking of Bread on the Lord's day is important.

        Attire at the Breaking of Bread