Breaking of the Bread
Christ’s body was broken and his blood was shed for all. The presider breaks bread and pours wine in gestures clear and visible. If it has not already been spoken at the invitation to the table or during the eucharistic prayer, the story of Christ’s institution of the Lord’s Supper is recalled here.
Jesus said: I am the bread of life.
I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever comes to me will never be hungry.
Whoever believes in me will never thirst.
John 6:35; 15:5
Notes adapted from Supplemental Liturgical Resource 1 (WJKP, 1984).
Excerpt from Worshiping God Together: A Guide for Children and Their Parents:
Jesus gives us his own body, broken like bread, so that we will have everything we need. He gives us his own life, poured out like a cup, so that we can live with him forever.
Directory for Worship
The one presiding is to take the bread and break it in the view of the people. If the words of institution have not previously been spoken as part of the invitation or in the communion prayer, 1 Cor. 11:23, 24 shall be used at this time.
Having filled the cup, the one presiding is to present it in the view of the people. If the words of institution have not previously been spoken as part of the invitation or in the communion prayer, 1 Cor. 11:25, 26 shall be used at this time.
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Book of Order, W-3.3614–.3615)
Lord's Prayer | Communion of the People
