At Madison Church, we take communion every week as a community. It’s a time of reflection, repentance, and response. But how should we approach this sacred moment?
What Is Communion? Jesus’ Command to Remember
Communion isn’t something we do out of tradition alone—it’s a command from Jesus. At the Last Supper, Jesus shared a meal with his disciples before going to the cross. As he broke the bread and poured the wine, he told them, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).
This was more than a simple meal—it was a sacred practice meant to remind his followers of his sacrifice, love, and redemption. Every time we take communion, we follow Jesus’ command and center our hearts on the truth of his life, death, and resurrection. Without Christ’s sacrifice, there would be no reason to gather. Each time we approach the communion table, we’re reminded of the very foundation of our faith—Christ’s victory over death and the hope we have because of it.
Communion as an Expression of Community in the Early Church
In response to Jesus’ command, the early church embraced communion as more than a ritual—it became a central part of their shared life. Early Christians often gathered in homes, sharing meals and remembering Christ in a profoundly communal setting. This wasn’t just about individual reflection but about building unity and fellowship among believers.
These gatherings reflected their identity as one body in Christ. Regardless of background, status, or wealth, all were equal at the communion table. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, reminding believers that the bread they break and the cup they share symbolize their unity in Christ. The table wasn’t a place of division but one of equality, inclusion, and shared remembrance.
At Madison Church, this sense of community resonates deeply. Like the early church, we believe communion is a moment to unite us in our mission to live out the gospel. Sharing in communion reminds us that we’re part of something greater than ourselves. This sense of belonging and unity, where everyone is equally important, is not just a belief but a reality at our church. It’s central to our practice of communion today.
The Evolution of Communion Traditions
Communion practices have evolved over time. The early church’s communal meals became more formalized as Christianity spread and grew. Some traditions have developed highly structured and liturgical approaches, with set prayers and prescribed ways to take communion. Other traditions, like Madison Church, emphasize flexibility and personal reflection.
The shift in practice reflects different contexts and priorities, but the heart of communion remains the same—remembering Christ’s sacrifice and responding to his grace. By “splitting the difference,” Madison Church creates space for personal reflection and communal unity. We don’t insist on formal prayers or timing, but we maintain the sacredness of the moment as an opportunity to pause, listen, and respond.
How We “Split the Difference” at Madison Church
At Madison Church, we approach communion with flexibility. We don’t prescribe specific prayers or insist that everyone takes communion simultaneously. Instead, we create a space for personal reflection and interaction with God. This flexibility allows you to engage with communion in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to your spiritual journey.
This approach is intentional. Communion at Madison Church is meant to be a time where you can pause, reflect, and hear from God without feeling rushed or constrained by formality. It’s a sacred moment to ask what God is saying and reflect on how you will respond to his grace.
When we take communion, we remember a past event and participate in an ongoing relationship with Jesus. His life, death, and resurrection continue to shape our lives today, and we believe that communion serves as a powerful reminder of this ongoing work in our hearts and communities. It’s not just a ritual but a living connection with our Savior.
Fear or Invitation? Paul’s Real Message About Communion
Sometimes, people hesitate about taking communion, especially when they read Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11, where he warns against it “unworthily.” To understand this, it’s essential to look at the context.
In the Corinthian church, some were eating and drinking in excess while others were excluded, turning the sacred meal into a time of division. Paul wasn’t warning against taking communion itself but calling out the selfish behavior distorting the practice’s unity and purpose. Communion reflected Christ’s love and sacrifice, not highlighting social divisions.
At Madison Church, we want to dispel any fear about approaching the communion table. Communion is not about being perfect or “worthy”; it’s about seeking Christ. Like Jesus himself, the table is open to all who seek him. It’s an invitation to come as you are, trusting that Jesus meets you with grace and love. You are always welcome at the table, no matter who you are or where you come from.
There’s no need to hesitate—you are always welcome at the table.
Biblical Connections: Communion and the Covenant
The practice of communion is part of a much larger story. It draws from the rich biblical covenant tradition, beginning with the Passover in the Old Testament. Just as the Passover celebrated God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery, communion celebrates our deliverance from sin through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Throughout the Bible, God invites his people into relationships through covenants. Communion continues this theme, reminding us we are part of God’s ongoing redemptive plan. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s covenant with his people, and communion is a tangible way we remember and participate in that covenant.
Practical Steps and Themes for Communion Prayer
With this understanding, you might wonder how to make communion personally meaningful. Here are some practical steps and themes for reflection as you approach the table:
- Pause: Before receiving the elements, take a moment to ask yourself, What is God saying to me today? and How will I respond to his grace?
- Reflect: As you take the bread and cup, remember Christ’s sacrifice and invitation to live in relationship with him.
- Respond: Commit to living out the message of communion in your daily life. Reflect on how you will apply what you experience at the table throughout the week.
Here are a few themes to guide your prayers during communion:
Self-Examination. Communion is an opportunity to ask God where you need to realign your heart with his will. It’s a time of self-reflection and preparation.
Prayer: “Lord, show me where I’ve strayed from your path. Help me to repent and follow your more closely.”
Gratitude for Christ’s Sacrifice. Communion is a time to be thankful for Jesus’ sacrifice—his broken body and his blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.
Prayer: “Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross. I’m grateful for your forgiveness and love.”
Commitment to Action. Part of repentance is recognizing where we’ve gone wrong and committing to act differently. Ask for strength to live out what God is calling you to.
Prayer: “Lord, help me to act on your will. Give me strength to live out my faith in real, tangible ways.”
Renewal and Restoration. Communion is a time for renewal. We are reminded that we are continually being transformed by God’s Spirit.
Prayer: “Holy Spirit, renew me. Help me walk in your truth and be restored in you.”
Unity with the Body of Christ. As we take communion, we remember that we’re part of a larger community—the body of Christ. Pray for unity and love within the church.
Prayer: “Father, I pray for unity in our church and that I might love others the way you love me.”
Ending with Reflection and Response
Communion is more than a ritual—it’s a response to Christ’s love and sacrifice. It’s a moment to stop, listen, and reflect on how we will follow Jesus. Each week, we take communion, knowing that God is speaking and that we are called to respond.
The next time you approach the communion table, take a moment to pause, reflect, and respond. Remember that you are welcomed by Jesus and invited to his table not because you’re perfect but because of his grace.
Let communion be your time to remember, reflect, and move forward in faith.
