19-Aug-15

Sometimes people ask the question, "Is it real or symbolic?" as though the use of symbols makes something less real. We should not forget that symbols have power. A wedding ring, for instance, is a symbol of the commitment between two people. It is as real and lasting as the commitment it represents. It has the power to remind us of that which it represents.
This is the power of the bread and cup. They represent, for us, all the Jesus gave so that we could have a relationship with God without our sin keeping us from it. The power of the bread and cup is the power of the commitment that God has made to welcome us all into the realm of God. It is as real and lasting as the commitment itself.
Let us pray.

Prayer:

God, who loves us and has made an everlasting commitment to us, we thank you for these powerful symbols of the bread and cup that remind us of all you gave to bring us to you. We thank you for Jesus, who taught us how to live a life of love for you and others.
As we take this bread and cup, fill us with your Spirit of love, that we can reach out with that love to our world and your children.
In the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN