Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread and after blessing it, he broke it, gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat, this is my body.” Then he took a cup and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Matthew 26:26-30

Especially during some “stay-cations,” I have had the opportunity to worship with our brothers and sisters at Grace Lutheran Church. They have Holy Communion every Sunday and worshipers go forward to the railing to kneel and receive the sacrament. It is humbling to kneel to receive the bread and the cup and I am reminded of this African American spiritual whenever I partake of the sacrament in this manner. If you have never received the sacrament in this manner, you might like to do so when the opportunity presents itself to enlarge your own experience of the Eucharist.

The Glory to God commentator has written,

This African American spiritual quite possibly reflects the circumstances of slaves attending early morning communion services in colonial Anglican churches, but its combination of hope (“rising sun”) and supplication (“Lord, have mercy”) speaks to many worshipers’ experience.

Prayer

Blessed Lord, on Sunday August 30, whether we figuratively are on our knees or are standing, let our mouths overflow with praise to once again be invited to Your table. Nourish our bodies and souls with this spiritual food. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.