Communion - UMM Devotion 08.10.08

Communion

Psalms 42:-5 (New Revised Standard)

1 As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me continually, "Where is your God?" 4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I went with the throng, and led them in procession to the house of God, with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help

This scripture tells of the writer's longing for God, to be restored to the place of worship. This is a comforting scripture for me. Even though the psalmist acknowledges feeling cast down and disquieted, he still hopes in God.

Last Sunday morning I had a small bowl of cereal for breakfast before coming to church. By the time the 11:00 service was ending, I could tell my stomach was empty. I wasn't really hungry, in fact I've probably never experienced real hunger. But I could tell it was about lunch time. As you know, it is our tradition to observe communion every first Sunday, and last Sunday was Communion Sunday. As we prepared for Communion I remember thinking, this empty feeling in my stomach will be eased by eating the bread. The words of the psalmist came to mind. "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." Perhaps we should all approach Communion with a hunger and a thirst, not necessarily in our stomachs, but in our hearts and souls.

Over the years, I have had the honor of assisting our Pastor with Communion on several different occasions. He hands out the bread and I hold the cup for the congregation to dip the bread into. One of the things that strikes me is the different ways that folks approach communion. Some come humbly, almost to the point of tears. Some bring traditions from other religions, crossing themselves, when they eat the bread. Some mutter a short prayer, "Thank you Jesus", when they receive the bread and dip the bread in the cup. The children come with curiosity and excitement. Some come displaying joy on their faces.

It seems to me that none of these is better than the other. Perhaps the only demeanor that should be a cause for concern, is a cavalier attitude, one that doesn't take the ritual to heart. We all have to be very careful that we don't just go through the motions during worship service. Try some of these things. Follow along with the scripture when it is read. Listen to the words of the prayers and echo your Amen. Pay attention to the words of the hymns and sing them sincerely and joyfully. Pray for those seated around you. All of these things can help us to have a deeper experience of God during worship.

How do you occupy you heart and mind during the Communion service while you are waiting your turn, or after your turn. I suggest you try one of these strategies to give God a chance to work in you and through you.
1. Re-read the scripture text from the sermon.
2. Prayerfully read the words to the hymns sung during the service.
3. Pray for each person who goes up to receive communion.
4. Pray for the Pastor and his or her family and their ministry in the Church.

The Communion service is a holy place and a holy time. Don't let it go to waste.

My prayer for all of us is that we will approach Communion with a hunger and a thirst for God. No only that, but we will approach with an expectation to have that hunger and thirst satisfied. "Hope in God, for we shall again praise him."