As we prepare for communion, I would like to read 1 Corinthians 11:23-28.
When we examine ourselves, we think about our heart’s focus and our motives at this moment. What do you do if you examine yourself and realize that you are not focused or your motives are wrong?
I remember having a wrestling match scheduled immediately after church one Sunday morning. I was around nine years old. I remember being so excited for my wrestling match, that since everyone was supposed to have their eyes closed during the last prayer, I got into my wrestling stance. I remember Dad catching me and correcting me and how embarrassed I was. Wasn’t he supposed to have his eyes closed? That was a sign Christ was not my primary focus during that prayer.
So how do we get focused and get our hearts right before taking communion? Well, it is a lifelong process. It is something we must practice. But to be a little more practical, I will share something we did at home. We prepared for communion beginning Sunday morning when we got out of bed. We had no TV and no secular radio. As we got older, that also meant no video games before church.
In addition, this time of communion helps us focus on Christ, His death, burial, and His resurrection. It is a sobering celebration!
If you are struggling to get focused this morning, remember you don’t have to be perfect. Don’t beat yourself up. Remember, He died so that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just. He will forgive us of our sins and all our unrighteousness. He came so that we could have life and have it more abundantly!
With that said, as we pray, I am going to guide you through a prayer-based focus exercise to help:
Our father- You love us. You consider us your own, and you are patient and kind to us. Who art in heaven- You are not to be compared to or bound by rules of our earthly fathers. Hallowed be thy name- you are like no other god. You are set apart. Thy kingdom come- may your purposes be accomplished here on earth, thy will be done- it’s not about our will, but your will. On earth, as it is in heaven- May your will be accomplished here and in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Give us what we need right now and help us not worry about tomorrow, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Forgive us for our sins and help us forgive others. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Father, give us the strength to put love before earthly needs and protect us from evil.
Amen
