Augustine on the Spiritual Presence of Christ in the Supper

Video by James White. Augustine quote is about 5 min into the video.

Thomas Howard on Communion

“In the simple act of taking bread, and of blessing, breaking and giving it to His disciples, the Lord gathered up all the mystery of the gospel: that the Word must become flesh, and that this flesh must be broken for the life of the world...At that supper table with His friends, Jesus revealed Himself for what John the Baptist had hailed Him as long before: the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. Here is My body. Here is My blood. This is the whole Old Testament now brought to its fulfillment. And you, My friends, are invited, not only to be spectators or merely to recall what I am doing. You are invited, at this table, to participate in the mystery.”

Thomas Howard

Communion Prayer: Treasure the Signs of Reconciliation

O Lord, our God, we give you thanks
for uniting us by baptism in the body of Christ
and for filling us with joy in the eucharist.

Lead us toward the full visible unity of your church,
and help us to treasure all the signs of reconciliation you have granted us.
Now that we have tasted the banquet
you have prepared for us in the world to come,
may we all one day share together
the inheritance of the saints in the life of the heavenly city.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Prayers of Meditation for Those Not Communing

Prayer for Those Searching for Truth
Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you as I consider the reasons for doing so. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open to me the reality of who you are. Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing, and that leads to the life that you promise. Amen.

Prayer of Belief
Lord Jesus, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment on the cross, and offering forgiveness and new life. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior and Lord. Amen.

Prayer of Commitment
Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you in baptism and in a life of committed discipleship in your church. Grant that I may take the necessary steps to be one with your people, and live in the fullness of your Spirit. Amen.

Guidelines for Reception of Commion

Communion, also called The Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is the family meal of Christians. We invite all committed followers of Jesus Christ to partake of this sacrament: those who are baptized members of a congregation that proclaims the gospel, who are at peace with God and with their neighbor, and who seek strength to live more faithfully for Christ. If you are not a Christian, or if you are not prepared to share in this meal, we encourage you to spend this time in prayer. We hope that this time is helpful to you as you consider your relationship with Jesus Christ and with His people, the church.

City Church SF