COMMUNION FOR THOSE CONFINED TO HOME

Scripture: Jesus says  ¢â‚¬ËœCome to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me: for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls ¢â‚¬â„¢ (Matthew 11:28, 29).

Jesus said  ¢â‚¬ËœI am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away ¢â‚¬â„¢ (John 6:35, 37).

 ¢â‚¬ËœWhere two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them ¢â‚¬â„¢ (Matthew 18:20).

Confession:  ¢â‚¬ËœMerciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.

 ¢â‚¬ËœIn your mercy forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways. To the glory of your holy name. ¢â‚¬â„¢  

Declaration of forgiveness:  ¢â‚¬ËœAnyone who is in Christ is a new creation: the old life has gone, the new life has begun. Thank you, Lord that we know that we are forgiven, and are at peace ¢â‚¬ ¦ Amen. ¢â‚¬â„¢

Invitation to the Lord ¢â‚¬â„¢s Table:  ¢â‚¬ËœWhen our risen Lord was at table with his disciples at Emmaus, he took the bread and blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him ¢â‚¬ ¦ ¢â‚¬â„¢

Lord ¢â‚¬â„¢s Prayer (said in unison):   

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name;  Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread; forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer:  ¢â‚¬ËœWith 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; and inspire us to love, that we may serve as your faithful disciples, until we feast at your table in Glory. Amen. ¢â‚¬â„¢

Breaking of the bread: 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,  ¢â‚¬ËœTake, eat; this is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. ¢â‚¬â„¢ (Distribution of bread:  ¢â‚¬ËœThe body of Christ given for you. ¢â‚¬â„¢)

The cup: In the same way he took the cup saying  ¢â‚¬ËœThis 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. ¢â‚¬â„¢ (Distribution of cup:  ¢â‚¬ËœThe blood of Christ shed for you. ¢â‚¬â„¢)

[Extempore prayer for the communicants].

Benediction:

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord be kind and gracious to you.

The Lord look upon you with favour and give you peace ¢â‚¬ ¦

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

(Adapted from the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship)