The sacraments of the church are essential expressions
of our unity as a worldwide fellowship. Sacramental practice that
provides for using essentially the same forms and words churchwide
(albeit in various languages) reinforces a sense of togetherness
in the context of wide diversity.
We interpret the intent of World Conference Resolution 1286, approved
on April 3, 2004, as calling for the preparation of alternate
prayers that retain the overall structure and content of those
found in Section 17 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In this way
the churchwide use of common forms and wording is preserved.
In recent years, some Communion services provide for the wine
to be served immediately following the bread. This is done either
as the servers take the emblems to the congregation or as the
congregation comes forward to receive. Where this is done, the
reading of two separate prayers, one right after the other, can
be awkward. For this reason, we believe that the needs of the
church will be served by having a combined prayer that can be
used when the emblems are served together. Such prayers, one using
the Doctrine and Covenants language and the other the more contemporary
wording, are also provided at this time.
The resolution calls for use of "contemporary language."
The attempt has been to replace archaic language with wording
that is in current use; this includes gender-specific references
to God.
In providing alternate Communion prayers for use in the church,
these new prayers will have equal status to those found in Section
17 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In Communion services of the
Community of Christ, these two sets of prayers (and their equivalent
translations in other languages) are the only ones authorized
for use. Those appointed to read the prayers are not free to use
other wording.
The following prayers are now offered for use in the church, in
addition to those found in Doctrine and Covenants 17:22 and 23.
Blessing on the Bread
Eternal God, we ask you in the name of your Son Jesus Christ,
to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who
receive it, that they may eat in remembrance of the
body of your Son, and witness to you, 0 God, that they are willing
to take upon them the name of your Son, and always remember him,
and keep the colnmandments which he has given them, that they
may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
Blessing on the Wine
Eternal God, we ask you in the name of your Son Jesus Christ,
to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who
receive it, that they may drink in remembrance of the blood of
your Son which was shed for them, that they may witness to you,
0 God, that they do always remember him, that they may have his
Spirit to be with them. Amen.
Combined Prayer on the Bread and Wine (from Doctrine and
Covenants 17)
0 God, the eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son
Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread and wine to the
souls of all those who partake of them, that they may eat and
drink in remembrance of the body and blood of thy Son, and witness
unto thee, 0 God, the eternal Father, that they are willing to
take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and
keep his commandments which he has given them, that they may always
have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
Combined Prayer on the Bread and Wine (contemporary language)
Eternal God, we ask you in the name of your Son Jesus Christ,
to bless and sanctify this bread and wine to the souls of all
those who receive them, that they may eat and drink in remembrance
of the body and blood of your Son, and witness to you, 0 God,
that they are willing to take upon them the name of your Son,
and always remember him and keep the commandments which he has
given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them.
Amen.