Episcopal Prayer Before Communion

We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us.

Amen.

(Source: The Holy Eucharist: Rite One, 1979 Book of Common Prayer, Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA)

Communion Meditation

A short prayer which asks for God's forgiveness and reflects on the wonder of salvation found in Christ:-

The Giving of Communion

Traditional Prayers
(longer version)

The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith, with thanksgiving.

The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s Blood was shed for thee, and be thankful.

or with these words
The Body (Blood) of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in
everlasting life. [Amen.]

or with these words
The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. [Amen.]
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. [Amen.]

(Source: The Holy Eucharist: Rite One, 1979 Book of Common Prayer, Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA)

Holy Communion is offered to all, as surely as the living Jesus Christ is for all, as surely as all of us are not divided in him, but belong together as brothers and sisters, all of us poor sinners, all of us rich through his mercy. Amen.

(Karl Barth, Deliverance to the Captives)

The Giving of Communion
(Modern Prayers)

Prayer Poem Meditation on Communion

We still our minds, and draw our hearts so near to yours.
And find that we're sat with faithful friends, at a meal with open doors.
Your invitation is to all, to come and eat for free.
You've paid the bill, your resurrection life, we will receive.
And as I glance around the room I see so many things -
The tears of pain, the smiles of joy,
The hopes, the dreams and fears -
Upon these gathered, young and old, the followers of Christ.
That come to take of bread and wine,
To remember your sacrifice.
And in this moment all is clear from beginning to end,
From your birth in Bethlehem to your death on a cross,
And your resurrection in the Garden of Gethsemane.
We build our lives on yours Jesus.
On a love that never ends.
We carry a promise in our hearts like a gift of peace.
That those who put their trust in you,
In eternity we'll meet.

(a prayer poem meditation on the communion from www.lords-prayer-words.com)

Follow this link for prayers suitable for saying in church on Sunday mornings.