6 Best Communion Prayers for Thanksgiving

A communion prayer includes thanksgiving for Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and requesting God’s grace and guidance.

When Christians partake in communion, they commemorate the Last Supper Jesus had with His disciples before He was crucified. This holy event is remembered through a communion prayer. Many different prayers can be said before, during, and after communion.

This article will explore what communion is, why Christians pray after receiving it, and some popular prayers for this special occasion. We will examine some Bible verses about communion and offer a concluding thought.

What is a Communion Prayer?

A communion prayer is a prayer said during the sacrament of communion. It typically includes thanksgiving for Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and requests for God’s grace and guidance. The prayer may also be called a eucharistic prayer or an offering prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer is a popular choice for a communion prayer, as it includes many elements typically included in such a prayer. However, many other prayers can also be used.

Some churches use specific prayers for communion, while others allow communicants to choose their devotion or even to say a silent prayer. Whatever the case, the important thing is that the communicant takes a moment to reflect on the meaning of communion and offer God thanks and requests.

What is Communion?

Communion is a unique church service in which the congregation shares a meal, usually bread and wine. The word communion comes from the Latin word “for sharing.” In ancient times, people would share their food with others to show kindness and hospitality.

Today, sharing a meal is still a sign of friendship and unity. When Christians take communion, they are reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice and the importance of kindness and generosity toward others.

Communion is a particular time for Christians to come together and remember the teachings of Jesus.

Why Do Christians Pray After Communion?

Christians pray after communion for a variety of reasons.

For some, it is a way to give thanks for the sacrament they have just received. Others may pray for guidance or strength in their faith journey. Still, others may use the time to reflect on the Mass readings or ask for intercession from the saints.

Regardless, prayer after communion is a powerful way to connect with God and receive strength and grace. Through prayer, we open our hearts to God and allow Him to work in our lives.

As we grow closer to Him, we can better understand and follow His will for us. We reaffirm our commitment to living as Christ’s disciples by praying after communion.

Best Communion Prayers

Holy Communion Prayer

Dear Father,

We are truly grateful for Your Son, Jesus Christ, and His sacrifice on the cross. Today, we ask that You bless us as we take the bread and wine, that we may be cleansed and made holy. We pray that our hearts will be open to receive all You have for us.

In the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Prayer Before Taking Communion

Lord Almighty,

We are gathered here today to receive your holy communion. Please bless us as we take this sacred meal and share this holy sacrament. Strengthen our faith, and help us to remember your Son’s sacrifice.

In the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Prayer After Communion

Thank you, God, for this food. Bless our bodies and keep us healthy. Thank you for this community with whom we share meals. Please bless our conversation and our time together. I know You are always with me, and I am thankful for Your love and support.

In the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Communion Prayer for the Bread

Lord Jesus,

As we take this bread, we pray that you bless it. As we break it, we remember that You were broken for us. You were bruised for our transgressions, and Your stripes heal us. In communion, we proclaim Your death until He comes again. We remember that You shed Your blood for the forgiveness of our sins. We are thankful that because of Your great love, we have been free from sin’s slavery. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to guide us.

In the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Communion Prayer for the Cup

Lord God,

Thank you, Lord, for this cup of communion. It reminds us of Your sacrifice for us on the cross, Your precious blood that was shed to forgive our sins, Your body that was broken for us, and Your love for us.

As we drink from this cup, we remember Your death and resurrection. We recognize that You are the source of life and have promised never to leave or forsake us.

We praise You, Lord, and thank You for Your faithfulness to us and the gift of eternal life. Amen.

Communion Prayer for Thanksgiving

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the food we are about to receive in this spiritual communion. Thank you for the harvest bounty and the hands that have prepared this meal. Bless us as we sit down together to share in this feast.

Grant us health and strength so we can continue working hard and providing for our families. Even amid trial and hardship, may we always remember the importance of thankfulness.

We give thanks for all the many blessings in our lives and for the gift of eternal life. We give thanks to our families and friends, our homes, and our health. Thank you for the abundance of food on our table and the love surrounding us. We also give thanks to all those who have gone before us. We remember all of this as we celebrate the Lord’s supper and share this bread and wine as a community.

In the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Preparing Before a Communion Prayer

Reflect

The beauty of taking communion is that it gives us a chance to think about what Jesus did to save us. Communion is meant to be a constant reminder of what Jesus did to protect us and how much it cost. This should keep us humble before Him because we would still have no hope if He hadn’t done it for us.

Repent

Before we take communion, we should also be sorry for our sins. One reason to pray before taking communion is to give God a chance to show you any sins you might be hiding in your heart.

Communion is a great time to show God that you are genuinely sorry for your sins, which means that you don’t just admit them but also ask for the desire not to do them again. What better time to change your mind than when you think about what Jesus did to pay for your sins? Nothing might if that doesn’t make you want to change your mind.

Rejoice

The other thing we should do during communion is be happy. We shouldn’t feel sad when we think about what Christ did for us; instead, we should be satisfied. There are many things to be happy about. You can be happy because you are His. You can be glad because God has saved you.

I could say more, but I think you get the idea. You can be happy when you take communion because Jesus’ great sacrifice for you gives you forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life. Don’t just make communion a solemn time; make it a time to celebrate because there are things to celebrate.

Bible Verses about Communion

1 Corinthians 11:23-25

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper, he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 

At the communion table, Jesus told the disciples how they should remember Him through communion. As they remained faithful, we should also continue to honor Him.

1 Corinthians 11:28

“Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” 

We need to examine ourselves and never take communion in an unworthy manner.

1 Peter 1:18-19

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” 

With His precious body broken for our eternal salvation, we should never participate in communion casually. He died for us so we could be free.

Conclusion

So, what is communion? Simply put, it’s a sacred ritual in which Christians partake in the body and blood of Jesus Christ at a communion table. This sacrament commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples before He was crucified.

We hope this article has clarified any questions or misconceptions you may have had and that you now feel more confident in preparing for and participating in a communion prayer service.