TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me…This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:24-26
Read: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Listen: 1 Corinthians 11
TODAY’S MESSAGE
We celebrated communion as a church community during services last weekend. Communion (or The Lord’s Supper) is symbolically powerful. Most significantly, we remember Jesus’s death together. Jesus gave his body for everyone who believes in him. He shed his blood to free us from the captivity of sin and pay the price we could never pay. Remembering this through communion recaptures the reality and significance of Jesus’s death.
But communion is also where we can come with all our needs and lay them down before God. Bible scholar N.T. Wright says, “We can bring whatever is on our minds and hearts to God in this action, without fear or shame…the God we call ‘Father’ will give us all that we need, not least healing, forgiveness, support and courage, in every other department of our lives” (The Lord and His Prayer available at Amazon or locally at Baker Book House or Kregel Parable).
Communion invites us to approach God with “open hands.” When we do, we first release to the Father every care, worry and problem. Then we are ready to receive. We receive the bread and juice, remembering the price Jesus paid to secure our salvation. We also receive the assurance that our loving Father, who cares for us deeply, “works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
If you missed communion this past weekend, we invite you to participate in the weekend service at this link. Before you start, grab some juice (beverage) and bread. Ready your heart by reading Luke 22:7–20 and reflecting on what Jesus did on the cross. If you’re doing this with your family, friends or small group—talk about the meaning of communion and how to approach it with “open hands.” If you already participated in communion with our church community in person or online, thank God for the sacrifice of Jesus and how he meets all our needs.
40 DAYS OF PRAYER
Join us for 40 DAYS OF PRAYER where all of us will find a quiet space and slowly read The Lord’s Prayer. May forty days of praying like Jesus prayed, and desiring what Jesus wanted, make a big difference in our hearts and our communities.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Acts 1.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
