2025-01-30 2025-01-30
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As they were eating, He took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take [it]; this is My body." Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks, He gave it to them, so they all drank from it.

He said to them, "This is My blood [that establishes] the covenant; it is shed for many. I assure you: I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it in a new way in the kingdom of God. After singing psalms, they went out to the Mount of Olives (Mark 14:22-26 HCSB).

During most Sunday services, communion–also known as the Eucharist in the Catholic Church–is given as a symbolic gesture to mark a sense of renewal and intimacy with Jesus. In most circles, unleavened bread and wine (or grape juice) are consecrated in prayer and consumed in church to thank the Lord for His graceful work in our lives.

The Last Supper symbolized Jesus' story, specifically his last chapters on Earth as our savior and his eternal sacrifice for humanity. The bread and wine underscored the flesh and blood that would be given freely to pay our ransom for sin. Also, the moment around that table in the Upper Room would mark the beginning of a New Covenant that would never end, written on our hearts instead of tablets of stone.

Yet, how are we inspired to pray when we stop to consider what was said in the Upper Room and the gestures that took place? What ideas come to mind when pondering the Last Supper and Jesus' red-letter words of comfort? What words could we pray to the Lord during our sacrifice or meditation upon His that would make us feel as if God heard us and wanted our words?

They're all there in the Last Supper, inscribed for all to see and for generations to come.

Prayer One: Eating, Gratitude For Sustenance

You know the prayers to bless the meal, and that one guy decides this is his moment to preach a homily he knows will just slay the crowd into repentance. Yeah, this isn't the time. No one likes that guy.

In the first prayer, we are reminded of Christ's actions before we hear his words at the Last Supper: "As they were eating." Asking for a blessing for our meal isn't a matter of ritual; it's a time to thank the Lord for supplying your and your family's needs. He deserves that much, so give it to Him.

Dear Lord, Thank you for providing us with this meal with your riches and mercy. We have this food to eat because you made it possible. We ask your blessing upon the hands that prepared this meal, those who served us (or upon whose house we are inside). May this meal strengthen our bodies and energize our spirits. And Lord, be with us as we have fellowship around this table. In Jesus' name, we thank you. Amen.

Prayer Two: Took, Gratitude For a Gift

The bread was "taken," meaning it was supplied by someone who worked somewhere to provide it for someone. That cyclical blessing began days ago so that you would have something today. You may not be able to GPS that alone, but the Lord certainly can. Ask the Lord to track what you took and express your thanks.

Father God, it would be selfish to think we have this meal solely because it was available at the store (or restaurant). Thank you for your providence and blessing every hand that had to do with getting this meal to us today. Most importantly, we don't lose sight of this gift from a loving Father who provides our needs according to His riches and glory. It's all Christ Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayer Three: Blessed, Acknowledgement of God's Providence

What has God done for you to bring you this moment? How has he saved you from particular peril in your life? Never miss an opportunity to acknowledge those moments and thank God that He sees you among the eight billion people in the world! He knows your name and wants the best for you.

God, thank you for leading me to this point today. Although I haven't made the best decisions and have been inconsistent in following Your Word, my heart has always been close to Yours. Thank you for the many blessings you have provided me and those in my life. This caused me never to move forward until I thanked you for all you've given me – my skills, talents, abilities, possessions, and, most importantly, my loved ones. Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me despite my failures. Thank you for continuing to forgive and guide me forward in Your Name. Amen

Prayer Four: Broken Appreciation For Difficult Lessons

The Bible doesn't try to deceive us about the experience of evil or the feeling of struggle in our lives. It will happen. It's a certainty that "in the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart for [Christ] has overcome the world." (John 16:33). Bad things happen, often when we least expect them.

Some things are minor, like a car wreck or losing a job. Others are perilous, like the passing of a loved one or a life-alerting illness. Yet, as challenging as it is to focus on any "silver lining," it's crucial to know what we can learn from the light in our lives when surrounded by darkness.

Lord, I need your guidance in times of my brokenness. I don't feel blessed as I struggle with these things. I don't have the strength or the wisdom to get out on my own. You see what's happening. You understand the situation. Only you know how I can make it out. God, thank you for the wisdom I will gain from this circumstance. Thank you, Father, for taking me by the hand, guiding me out of this pain, and helping me never to forget what got me through–leaning on my Rock, My Savior, My Jesus.

Prayer Five: Giving, Benevolence That Becomes a Blessing

It's the most essential aspect of the Last Supper and Jesus' life on Earth. He gave. That portion of his humanity was His core objective. "For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). Any time the Lord gives to us, it's with purpose and for a purpose—all our prayers to be one of searching, asking, and discovering.

Father God, thank You for always giving us what we need. A word of gift is due in good season. Without Your loving direction, I would be lost as my sin is to You. Thank You for giving me the strength to navigate life as needed. Thank You for Your love, which keeps me whole and redeems my sin. Thank You for Your Son, who loves and holds me by His right hand. Help me to stay in Your will and continue to grow in Your Word so that I may give to others and sow into their lives as You have me.

Prayer Six: Body, Creation of the New Covenant

The Roman Catholic Church teaches Transubstantiation, the heart of a miracle that occurs each Sunday during Mass when the Eucharist is presented. The bread and wine miraculously become the body and blood of Christ. This term was first used at the Council of Trent in the 1540s and has explained the Catholic Church ever since.

This is a highly symbolic metaphor in our hearts for other denominations and partakers of Communion. When Jesus said, "Take it, this is my Body," He knew what it represented. It's more than reminding us of the human body Jesus Christ gave to redeem our sinful natures–it's an open door to a New Covenant. Gone are the Mosaic laws, and enter into our lives the miraculous grace of God.

Lord, if it weren't for the grace of God given to me each day because of your never-ending mercy, I wouldn't be destined for eternity sharing life with you. By that grace, I can be part of a larger body of believers, which helps me understand my purpose and motivates my soul to do more for you. May I never forget to wear God's armor to protect me from harm and pure from sin. Your body, Your Name is my strong tower. Thank You for allowing me to run into it. Be safe. Amen.

Prayer Seven: Blood, Sealing of the New Covenant

It's the blood of Jesus that makes all we do possible. When Jesus Christ shed His Blood for us, the enemy's work in our lives was made insolvent. Yes, that fallen angel will tirelessly deceive us away from the redemptive work of the Cross. However, it's the Blood that keeps us born into a spirit of adoption whereby we can cry out "Abba Father." (Romans 8:15)
The blood of Christ seals the work of the Cross and establishes the reality of the Last Supper. That blood isn't to be "consumed" as much as it is a "cleansing." It washes us white as snow from the inside out.

Heavenly Father, It's Your blood that washes me clean. It's Your blood that was shed for me on the Cross that I am mindful of with each blessed cup during Communion. I do this in remembrance of You, but I am grateful that You gave the ultimate sacrifice in remembrance of me. I can never repay that kind of love, but I will use the rest of my life blessing Your Name with what I can. Thank You, Holy Spirit. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.

The Last Supper and its powerful symbols of bread and wine remind us of the eternal love, sacrifice, and grace of Jesus Christ. As we reflect on these moments, let us be inspired to deepen our faith, express gratitude for His blessings, and extend empathy and love to others, remembering that through His body and blood, we are united in a New Covenant of hope and redemption.

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