Communion Preparation

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to

sympathize with our weaknesses,
but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,
that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4: 14-16

Because of Jesus, and His high priestly ministry on our behalf, the throne of glory is also a throne of grace. Through Christ we are invited to come, draw near to His throne, and receive the mercy and grace we need. The invitation to come and draw near also applies to the table of fellowship, the communion table where we celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

This Sunday we will again look at the high priestly role of Jesus. We will begin an extensive comparison between the old covenant priests and our New Covenant Priest – Christ. The old covenant priests offered sacrifices for the sins of the people and for their own sins. God accepted these sacrifices from theses imperfect men because He knew Christ’s own prefect sacrifice would cover their sins.

We thank God for such amazing grace that allows us - His New Covenant people - to draw near for communion. But we must not take this privilege lightly. I fear that I, and perhaps all of us, do not approach this sacred sacrament with sufficient significance or gravity. I was convicted of this in my own heart as I was reading one of the Puritan’s prayers in The Valley of Vision. It was written for the minister, but my hope is that, God willing, it would speak to your heart also.

Lord, Teach me the nature of a sacrament

as a seal and pledge of love,
that Christ is faithful to make himself
a present reality to his own who are guests at his table.
Assure me by it
that his Word is made good to my faith,
that he by sacramental union is given to me,
that I shall have strength not to fall into sin,
that his life begun in me will be perfected hereafter,
that my covenant with him is confirmed,
that he gives himself to all who take him thankfully.
As I come to the feast, help me to recall

my neglect of duties towards myself,
my family, church, friends,

by not instructing, exhorting, being an example.
Grant me to see my ignorance,

not knowing how or what to pray,
my unsavouriness, not delighting in,

but loathing to speak for thee,
my pride, because I would not speak what I could

from fear of not doing it well,
my lukewarmness, in not reaching for thy glory,
my idleness and sloth, my want of tender love,
my apprehension of unfruitfulness

in case I should attempt and do no good,
and hence sow seed upon rocks.
Let me know
that even if I have done right, yet I must

lament the principles that caused my neglect,
that good duties might be done or omitted

out of ill principles or motives,
and only when these are dealt with shall

I know what is my duty and its extent.
Heal me now, as I approach thy table,

and fill me with all grace, with thyself.
The Valley of Vision, The Minister Before Sacrament, p 362