Communion Thoughts
I was thinking yesterday that I get kind of stuck in a rut with my thoughts during communion (The Lord's Supper, etc.), and I wondered what do you think about?
I usually have a predominant mental image that I try to focus on, and prayers I typically say. Mine also tend to go through cycles. I will have a certain picture or image for a while and then it will change and be the same for a while, and then change again. Is anyone else like this?
I realize that this is a very personal topic, but I would love to know what you think about or what you do. How do you focus on Jesus and his sacrifice? I'll share my current scenario later, but tell me about you...
I usually have a predominant mental image that I try to focus on, and prayers I typically say. Mine also tend to go through cycles. I will have a certain picture or image for a while and then it will change and be the same for a while, and then change again. Is anyone else like this?
I realize that this is a very personal topic, but I would love to know what you think about or what you do. How do you focus on Jesus and his sacrifice? I'll share my current scenario later, but tell me about you...
posted by Allison at
4:24 PM
6 Comments:
What a great question! During our sacrament I try to keep my thoughts toward the sacraife that Christ has made for us and the promises I made when I was baptized: take upon the name of Christ, always remember Him, and keep his commandments. Sometimes the best way to do this for me is to read through our hymnal or review some of my favorite scriptures. My challenge lately has been trying to teach Gage what to think about, I try to have pictures for him of Christ, or a book about Christ he can look at.
Thanks for such the postive blog - I can't wait to hear your story and what you think about!!!
By
Debbi, at 6:31 PM
For me there are many. I like what they say in the Episcopal church. As you take the bread, they say, "The Body of Christ, the Bread of Heaven." This image reminds me that I am part of a body that extends beyond myself, beyond the walls of the sanctuary, beyond the present, a "communion" of saints that is part of the great story of God. I am a part of the Body that is "His-story." This image also reminds me that only Christ is the food that I may eat and not die (John 6--the "Bread of Life"). I need to feed on Him richly...not just weekly (or worse, monthly or quarterly), but daily. HE is my "daily bread."
As they give you the cup, they say, "The Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation." As I take it, I am reminded of the price at which my salvation was purchased, and I remember that I am grafted into Jesus via the New Covenant. Salvation is not just wishful thinking. It is a promise! Thank you, God. Some people call the Lord's Supper the "Eucharist," from the Greek word for "I give thanks." It is appropriate to give thanks for such an amazing promise.
Also (and I'll stop after this comment), I always say "Yes" to Jesus anew before drinking the cup. For me, it's like a pledge. It's like renewing my vows. I know it can get repetitious, but may we always come to the Table with hearts centered on Him. And may we leave with a renewed sense of His love, a renewed sense of life and hope, and a renewed commitment to follow hard after Him.
Love you, Allie!
By
Clay, at 12:10 AM
Well I feel really bad because I don't even have my children to distract me yet ... and I still get very much distracted during this time.
Most every time, though, I often think about other people all over the world who partake in the body of Christ as well. I like to feel in communion and connected to other's faith and their different cultures. I like to imagine Christ reaching out to all of them ... just as he has done with me during the last week (and ultimately, of course.) ;)
By
Robby and Lynsey, at 4:52 PM
What a great question...and one I do not have the answer to at this season in my life. Right now my spiritual life is really focused on the purity of children and then the sinfulness of human nature. Carley normally falls asleep by communion so I normally am just struck by the image of innocense and then my need to take communion to try to get back that innocent nature I had so many years ago and to see Jesus with pure eyes. I don't know if it makes sense or answers your questions, but that is kind of where I am right now.
I miss you!
By
Ashley, at 1:44 PM
My thoughts are similar to others posted here...This is typically what goes through my mind...
I think of the bread as my life bread - the only thing that can sustain me. I think of it as Christ's body. I picture that Christ is the bones of my body - the thing that allows me to stand & contribute & live. The thing that makes my body a connected, awesome being. I ask for Him to empty "me" from me & instead only fill me with true power & life.
Before I drink of the cup, I think of the sacrifice made for ME! Little me. I think of blood, death, a mother watching her son die. And now that I am a mom I almost always cry as I imagine that - pain, suffering & death are things we all try to avoid as humans. He willingly embraced it! I then praise for that sacrifice & claim the forgiveness He offers. As I drink, I ask that the blood of Christ flow through me. Maybe it's because I'm a nurse, but I picture the blood pumping through me & giving me life. Without blood circulating through me, I die. Without blood to any tissue, parts of me die at the least.
So throughout I just try to focus on Christ as the ONLY way to LIVE.
By
maplesjess, at 12:52 AM
They're right, it is a great question.
I usually pray about Christ becoming part of me and taking Christ into the world. If I've noticed myself being a troll I'll hang tight to the proclamation of forgiveness. I expect I don't notice myself being a troll nearly as often as it happens.
(I'm a stray. I followed a link from Clay's blog.)
By
Weekend Fisher, at 1:04 AM
Post a Comment
<< Home