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

Years ago, parents of the bride sent out wedding invitations somewhere between eight and twelve weeks. Sometimes the invited guests could attend, and others were not able because they had already made other plans. To counteract that situation, wedding planners encouraged the parents of the happy couple and the couple to mail out “Save the Date” cards six months to a year in advance of the wedding.

In the Reformed tradition, when the Lord’s Supper is not celebrated each Sunday, a week’s notice is to be given to would-be worshipers so that they may prepare themselves before coming to the Lord’s Table. Some years ago, in addition to announcements in Tower Chimes and bulletins, we had plaques with the wording “Communion Next Sunday” and “Communion Today” to go along with the marble plaques. These were placed in the narthex, north and south stairwells and in the third-floor hallway leading to the balcony. These were our ways of reminding members and friends to “mark the date” and to prepare themselves to come to the Lord’s Table by examining their lives.

Jesus extends the invitation to all baptized believers to come to the Lord’s Table and to share the feast he has prepared. The Glory to God commentator wrote:

St. Augustine spoke of eucharist as ‘the repeatable part of baptism and this hymn reminds us that each time we share in the Lord’s Supper we are renewing our baptismal vows.

Prayer

Gracious God, we thank You for the Holy Supper that Jesus instituted for his disciples. We are grateful to be invited to the Lord’s Supper and to renew our baptismal vows. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.