By Robin G. Jordan
To show how easy it would be to furnish the Anglican Church in North America with a modern-language version of the Holy Communion service of the reformed Anglican family of Prayer Books – The Books of Common Prayer of 1552, 1559, 1604, and 1662 – I have reproduced below one of the forms of the Lord’s Supper from Common Prayer: Resources for Gospel-Shaped Gatherings (2012). This form is described as “a contemporary version of the Book of Common Prayer service.” An examination of the form supports this description. It is in my opinion one of the better contemporary versions of the Prayer Book service. Compiled by the Archbishop of Sydney’s Liturgical Commission, it conforms to the doctrinal and worship principles laid out in the Thirty-Nine Articles, embodies the doctrine of the 1662 Prayer Book and its predecessors, the 1552, 1559, and 1604 Prayer Books, and respects the liturgical usages of these books.
For churches that highly value the Protestant Reformation which restored the New Testament gospel to the English Church and the historic Anglican beliefs and practices which are grounded in the Holy Scriptures and the Reformation, this form of the Lord’s Supper would be a good choice. It also has a high degree of flexibility, adaptability, and congregational participation, which make it a useful resource for churches on the North American mission field.
THE LORD’S SUPPER
FORM 1
This is a modern and simplified restatement of the order created by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer during the Reformation of the sixteenth century. It was the only form used in England for over 400 years and has been the basis for many contemporary Anglican revisions.
It focuses on the death of Christ for our sins and the believer’s justification by faith. The service moves a number of times from acknowledgment of sin, to hearing the word of grace, to the response of faith.
The service is in two halves. The first half is a service of the Word and Prayer. We appeal for God’s mercy following a meditation on the Commandments. God’s word of grace is heard in the readings and sermon, and we respond with an affirmation of faith and prayer. A second appeal for God's mercy comes with the confession of sins. God’s words of love for the unworthy follow and we respond by joining the heavenly praise of God. We are briefly faced with our unworthiness again before being assured of God’s grace as we share in the Lord's Supper together. The service concludes with a response of praise and thanksgiving.
THE LORD’S SUPPER
FORM 1
(a contemporary version of The Book of Common Prayer service)
THE WORD AND THE PRAYERS
1. Verses of Scripture highlighting the character of God and how we should respond to him may be read (e.g. Psalms 98:1-2; 105:1-2; Isaiah 45:22-23; John 6:35; 8:12; Acts 17:24-25; Colossians 3:16-17).
A suitable hymn or song may follow.
2. The minister invites all to pray together.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3. The minister may read a form of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) or Jesus’ declaration of the Two Great Commandments (Matthew 22:37–40).
Hear the commandments which God gave his people Israel.
1. I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery; you shall have no other gods besides me.
2. Do not make any idol for yourself; you shall not bow down to them or serve them.
3. Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
4. Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days shall you labour and do all you have to do, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.
5. Honour your father and your mother.
6. Do not murder.
7. Do not commit adultery.
8. Do not steal.
9. Do not give false testimony against your neighbour.
10. Do not covet anything that is your neighbour’s.
After each commandment, the people may say Lord, have mercy on us and incline our hearts to keep this law.
After the last commandment, or after the commandments have been read together, the people may say Lord, have mercy on us, and write your commandments in our hearts by your Holy Spirit.
or
Jesus said: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength’. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Lord have mercy on us, and write your commandments in our hearts by your Holy Spirit.
4. The prayer of the day is said (see pages 46-49).
5. The Bible readings follow, one from the Old Testament and at least one from the New Testament.
A psalm may be said and suitable songs may follow any of the readings, to express appropriate responses to what has been heard.
6. The Nicene Creed is said here or after the sermon, the people standing.
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: he was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
7. The sermon is preached here or before the creed.
8. A song may follow and a collection may be taken.
Members of the congregation may be encouraged to support the work of the gospel and provide for the needy by the reading of biblical passages such as Matthew 5:16; 6:19-20; 7:21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Galatians 6:6, 10; Hebrews 13:16; 1 John 3:17. 9.
The minister or one or more members of the congregation may pray, using this form or a suitable alternative.
Let us pray for all people, and for Christ’s church throughout the world.
Almighty and eternal God through the apostle Paul you teach us to pray and to give thanks for all people. In your mercy (accept our gifts and) receive our prayers. Set the nations on the path of righteousness and peace. Lead their rulers to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare of all. We pray for the leaders of our nation (especially …), and for all who exercise authority in this land. Enable them to uphold justice, restrain wickedness and promote integrity and truth. Comfort and sustain, merciful Lord, everyone in this fleeting life who is in sorrow, need, sickness, or any other distress (especially …). Pour out your Spirit on your church, so that all who acknowledge your holy name may agree in the truth of your word, and live in unity and godly love. Give grace to all bishops and other ministers (especially …), to set forth your life-giving word by their example and teaching and rightly administer your holy sacraments. Give grace to your people gathered here, to receive your word with humble and obedient hearts and serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. We praise you for all who have died in the faith of Christ (especially …). Help us to follow their good examples, that with them we may inherit your heavenly kingdom. Hear us, Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only mediator and advocate. Amen.
10. A song may follow.
THE LORD’S SUPPER
11. The minister may say the following exhortation.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we who come to receive the holy communion of the body and blood of our Saviour Christ can come only because of his great love for us. For, although we are completely undeserving of his love, yet in order to raise us from the darkness of death to everlasting life as God’s sons and daughters, our Saviour Christ humbled himself to share our life and to die for us on the cross. In remembrance of his death, and as a pledge of his love, Jesus instituted this holy sacrament, which we are now to share. But those who would eat the bread and drink the cup of the Lord must examine themselves, and amend their lives. They must come with a repentant heart and steadfast faith. Above all, they must give thanks to God for his love towards us in Christ Jesus. And then the minister invites the people to genuine repentance and faith in Christ You then who truly repent of your sins, and are reconciled with others, intending to lead a new life of joyful obedience to God, draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to strengthen and sustain you. But first, let us make a humble confession of our sins to Almighty God.
12. A pause for self-examination may follow. All then say the following confession together.
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you made all things, and you call everyone to account. With shame we confess the sins we have committed against you, in thought, word and deed. We rightly deserve your condemnation. We turn from our sins and are truly sorry for them; they are a burden we cannot bear. Have mercy on us, most merciful Father. For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us all that is past. Enable us to serve and please you in newness of life, to your honour and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
13. The minister stands and assures the people of God’s forgiveness.
Almighty God our heavenly Father, who has promised to forgive the sins of all who turn to him with repentance and faith, have mercy on you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins, strengthen you to do his will, and keep you in eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
14. The minister says the following words of assurance.
Hear these words of assurance for those who truly turn to Christ.
Jesus said: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’. Matthew 11:28
‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.’ John 3:16
The apostle Paul said: ‘Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’. 1 Timothy 1:15
The apostle John said: ‘If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.’ 1 John 2:1–2 15
15. The minister leads the people in praise and thanksgiving.
Lift up your hearts,
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
He is worthy of all praise.
Always and everywhere, it is right for us to praise you, Lord, holy Father, mighty Creator and eternal God.
On certain days a special preface (see below) is said here.
Therefore, with all those gathered around your throne in heaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name, in words of never-ending praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Glory to you, Lord most high.
Special prefaces for use at Christmas, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost and Trinity:
Christmas
We praise you for giving your only Son Jesus Christ to be made man for us. By the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the virgin Mary his mother, without sin, to make us free from all sin.
or
We praise you that the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Easter
We praise you especially for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. He is the true Passover lamb who was offered for us and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death; by his rising to life again he has restored to us eternal life.
Ascension
We praise you through Jesus Christ our ascended Lord, who was seen by his disciples after his resurrection and in their sight went into heaven to sit at your right hand and prepare a place for us, that where he is we might also be and reign with him in glory.
Pentecost
We praise you through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whose sure promise the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles to teach them and lead them into all truth, giving them boldness and fervent zeal to preach the gospel to all nations. By that gospel we have been brought out of darkness and error into the true knowledge of you and of your Son Jesus Christ.
Trinity
You are one God, one Lord, not one person but three persons. For all that we believe of your glory, Father, we believe also of the glory of your Son and of the Holy Spirit. We worship you, one God in Trinity and Trinity in unity.
After each of these prefaces the minister and people continue with the words “Therefore, with all those gathered etc.”
16. This prayer of preparation (or the version found on page 51) may be said by the minister alone or by all together.
We do not presume to come to your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your many and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the same Lord whose nature is always to have mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.
17. Standing at the table, the minister continues to give thanks. As Jesus’ words of institution are said, the minister breaks the bread and takes hold of the cup before all the people.
We thank you, our Father, that in your love and mercy you gave your only Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our salvation. By this offering of himself once and for all time Jesus made a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world and commanded us to continue a remembrance of his precious death until his coming again.
Hear us, merciful Father, and grant that we who receive these gifts of your creation, this bread and this wine, according to our Saviour’s command, in remembrance of his suffering and death, may be partakers of his body and blood.
On the night he was betrayed, Jesus took bread and, when he had given thanks, he broke it, then gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’
In the same way after the meal, Jesus took the cup and, when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’
18. The minister may say
Come let us eat and drink in remembrance that Christ died for us, and feed on him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving.
The minister and those assisting give the bread to each person saying, within the hearing of each person,
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving.
or
Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving.
The minister and those assisting give the cup to each person saying, within the hearing of each person,
The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.
or
Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.
19. The minister says
Let us pray.
As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are confident to say, 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
20. The minister leads the people in one of these two prayers of thanksgiving and dedication.
Lord and heavenly Father, in your loving kindness, accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Grant that by the merits and death of your Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and your whole Church may receive forgiveness of our sins and all other benefits of his suffering. With gratitude for all your mercies, we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen.
or
Almighty and everliving God, thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the body and blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Thank you for assuring us of your goodness and love, that we are members of his body, and heirs, through hope, of your eternal kingdom. Keep us faithful to your Son, and strengthen us by your Spirit to do the good works you have prepared for us to do for your honour and praise. Amen.
21. The following hymn of praise or another suitable song may be sung.
Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly king, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy upon us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One; you alone are the Lord; you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
22. The minister says
May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment