Growing up, the windows of my childhood home’s family room were in direct line of sight of our neighbor’s bedroom windows.
If we both had the curtains open, we could easily see into each other’s homes.
My mother told me that our neighbor once shared that my sister and I had caught her eye one day when she was opening her curtains. We were taking turns standing and reading from a small red book in front of our fireplace. She observed we would also sometimes sing and then bow our heads with our hands folded in front of us.
Intrigued, she wanted to know what my sister and I were doing.
My mother replied that my sister and I were playing church. The book we were reading was called The Common Book of Prayer. The songs we were singing were hymns. And the bowing of our heads and folding of our hands were prayers to the Lord.
What does this have to do with my title, A Common Communion Liturgy and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26?
A Common Communion Liturgy | Defining Terms
First, we need to define the terms in the title of this post.
Common
What does the word common mean?
Merriam-Webster.com lists multiple options for defining the word common.
The one I am interested in uses the word familiar as a synonym for common.
The sense of something well-known.
Communion
The most basic definition of communion is an act or instance of sharing.
When capitalized, Communion is a Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ’s death or as symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ.
Another explanation is that communion is an experience of intimate fellowship or rapport.
Generically, communion also refers to the common faith and discipline of Christians.
The first and third examples of communion are something non-Christians commonly experience.
In contrast, the second and fourth examples of communion reflect specifically Christian practices.
Liturgy
A liturgy is a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship.
It can also be a customary repertoire of ideas, phrases, or observances outside of worship.
Our neighbor observed my sister and me doing something that for our family was common.
My sister and I were not serving each other Communion, but we were practicing an act or instance of sharing in intimate fellowship or rapport using The Book of Common Prayer as our liturgy.
A Common Communion Liturgy | 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
At this point in 1 Corinthians, Paul is reminding them of the proper way to practice what had become a common practice of Communion for Christians.
This reminder from Paul was needed because they had fallen into a disorderly manner.
When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. (1 Co 11:20–22)
In other words, the Corinthians had lost sight of the purpose of sharing this intimate reminder of Christ with each other.
Paul continues, quoting from Luke 22:14-20.
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Co 11:23–24)
What is the connection between the breaking of the bread and Jesus’ words, “This is my body, which is for you”?
Why is it important to do this in remembrance of Jesus?
In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Co 11:25)
What is the new covenant in Jesus’ blood? (Compare Isaiah 53:4-10 and Luke 23:26-24:8)
Again, why is it important to do this in remembrance of Jesus?
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Co 11:26)
What is the significance of sharing the bread and cup as a Christian?
Now consider these words from Derek Prime,
The word ‘look’ provides a helpful way to remember and recall the significance of the Lord’s Supper
Derek Prime, Opening up 1 Corinthians, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2005), 104.
We should look back—in remembrance (vv. 24, 25).
We should look up—in thanksgiving to God (vv. 24, 25).
We should look round—to make sure we are in a relationship of fellowship and love with God’s people (vv. 17–22).
We should look in—in self-examination (vv. 27–34).
We should look forward—to our Lord’s coming again (v. 26).
How do Derek’s thoughts help you?
A Common Communion Liturgy | Your Turn
I stated above that my sister and I were playing church because it was a common experience in our family.
Again, my sister and I were not serving each other Communion, but we were practicing an act or instance of sharing in intimate fellowship or rapport using The Book of Common Prayer as our liturgy.
Paul reminded the Corinthians that even though the practice of Communion in our worship services may be common and use a familiar liturgy, we need to approach Communion with a level of awe and reverence regarding Jesus’ original intent.
Describe your reaction to 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
How can you guard your heart from approaching Communion or other parts of worship too lightly?
Review verse twenty-six again.
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Co 11:26)
What is the hope you can claim?
Consider the opportunities you have each day to explain your faith to a neighbor, just like my mother could with our neighbor when I was a child.
Never underestimate the power of how you do the things you do.
Someone who needs to hear the hope found in this Common Communion Liturgy may be closer than you think.
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn