Some readers will agree with this statement and some will disagree, but I want you to consider this thought for a moment—The most sacred time in the life of the Christian each week is when he or she communes with Jesus at His feast. When we partake of “the Lord’s Supper” (emphasis on “the Lord’s”) each week, this is not a matter that we can approach flippantly or nonchalantly (1 Cor. 11:27-30). Rather, this feast demands our closest attention and our deepest concentration.
Those precious minutes each Sunday during which we partake of the sacred elements can be tough to keep our focus. Some have suggested over the years that those minutes during which the trays are being passed should be shortened, as there is too much “dead time” in our service, as everyone has to sit quietly until “it’s over.” Others struggle with keeping their attention focused during those reflective moments. Some get frustrated when there are distractions throughout the auditorium while they are partaking. May I suggest to you, during this most sacred time, that we must grab hold of and purposefully direct our thoughts back to the cross. The words “remembrance,” “examine” and “discern” in 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 emphasize that our thoughts, our minds and our hearts are required. We must concentrate. But, how can we overcome distractions?
Read. Minds wander easily, but with written words in front of us, we can stay focused. Read the accounts of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Read Isaiah 53, Psalm 22 and other reflective passages. Read the words of a meaningful hymn. Take time during the week to write out your own personal meditation for communion, and then read those words as you partake. Don’t just read these things as a “routine”; focus on the depth of each word.
Pray. Give thanks to God for the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, which brings us atonement, forgiveness and promise. Give thanks to God for His love, His grace and His mercy. Give thanks to God for the body and the blood of our precious Savior.
Redirect. Distractions are inevitable. But, the power of the mind can overcome distractions and even use the distractions themselves to redirect one’s thoughts. Babies will cry while you’re partaking, and when they do, imagine how babies must have been crying at the cross. People will whisper behind you and may even laugh at something, and when they do, imagine how people must have been whispering and laughing at the cross. People will goof off and play games, and when they do, imagine those soldiers playing games for Jesus’ garments, while He suffered.
We must “remember” Him, “examine” ourselves and “discern” His body! Let us focus our minds as we commune!