Lord's Supper — Didache

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The Lord's Supper
This order is adapted from the Didache, an ancient manual for Christian communities dating to about
100 a.d. Our group has an open communion, meaning that all followers of Jesus are encouraged to eat and
drink the elements of the Eucharist. If you would normally take communion in your church, we hope you'll feel
free to do so here. If not, please know that we're glad you're here, and we hope that nonetheless you'll benefit
from witnessing our community enact this simple ceremony in fellowship with God and with each other.
Leader:
Gather yourselves together and break bread and give thanks, first confessing
your sins. In every place and at every time offer him a pure sacrifice, for from
the rising of the sun to its setting he is a great King, and his name is great
among the nations. Be silent now in reverence and confession.
{After a time:}
Give thanks first for the cup:
Reader 1:
We give you thanks, our Father,
for the holy vine of your son David,
which you made known to us through your Son Jesus.
All:
Yours is the glory for ever and ever.
Leader:
Then for the broken bread:
Reader 2:
We give you thanks, our Father,
for the life and knowledge
which you made known to us through your Son Jesus.
All:
Yours is the glory for ever and ever.
Reader 3:
As this bread was once grain scattered upon the mountains
and now has been gathered together to become one,
so may your Church be gathered together
from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.
All:
For yours is the glory and the power
through Jesus Christ for ever and ever.

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Leader:
You who are followers of Jesus, accept with thanksgiving the good gifts of God.
Let those who have been made holy by the sacrifice of Jesus, come to his table;
let those who have not, hear his voice and repent.
{Here we eat the bread and drink the cup.}
Leader:
And after you are satisfied, give thanks like this:
All:
We give you thanks, Holy Father, for your holy name,
which you have made to tabernacle in our hearts,
and for the knowledge, faith, and immortality
which you have made known to us through your Son Jesus.
Yours is the glory for ever and ever.
You, Almighty Master, created all things for your name's sake.
You gave food and drink to all humanity for enjoyment,
that they might return thanks to you;
but to us you have bestowed spiritual food and drink
and eternal life through your Son.
Before all things we give you thanks that you are powerful.
Yours is the glory for ever and ever.
Remember, Lord, your Church
to deliver it from all evil
and to perfect it in your love.
Gather it together from the four winds --
the Church which has been sanctified --
into your kingdom, which you have prepared for it.
For yours is the power and the glory for ever and ever.
May grace come and may this world pass away.
Hosanna to the God of David. Maranatha.
Amen.
Leader:
But permit the prophets to offer thanksgiving as much as they desire.
{The leader may here give thanks in prayer as we move to musical worship.}
rev. 2003.06.18

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