The Festival of the Ascension of our Lord
May 14, 2026
The Significance for us of Christ’s Ascension
The Disney movie, the Lion King, tells the story of a special king’s ascent. From the moment the movie begins, the newborn cub Simba is identified as the heir to the throne. He is designated for that office at the start of the movie by the wise-man baboon Rafiki, who lifts up Simba, the young cub, on the Lion King’s “throne” of sorts, Pride Rock. All the animals of the kingdom then bow down before him. After all, Simba is the future king of Pride Rock.
Subsequently, the sudden and tragic death of Simba’s father, the reigning Lion King, occurs. He dies in a stampede caused was caused by Simba’s jealous uncle Scar, that Scar blamed on Simba. In shame, Simba exiles himself, running away to a strange land. Then Scar assumes power with his hyena allies and quickly ruins Pride Rock. Meanwhile, Simba, after a series of adventures, is urged to return home to save his animal kingdom by a female lion named Nala (who will be Simba’s future wife and queen). When Simba returns to reclaim Pride Rock, he first has to fight his wicked uncle Scar for his throne. He conquers Scar and his hyena supporters with the help of Nala and the rest of the lionesses. But even though, from birth, he has been designated as the future Lion King, and even though he has fought and conquered Scar’s forces of darkness, Simba’s work remains incomplete.
Near the end of the movie, immediately after the battle that sees Scar defeated, the camera shifts again to Rafiki….and in that moment Rafiki brings the Lion King’s story toward its conclusion. Rafiki takes his staff and points Simba toward Pride Rock. In so doing, he is indicating that an old era has ended; and a new era is about to begin. In order for Simba to claim his kingdom and be installed as the king, he has to ascend Pride Rock, the rightful place/throne of the ruling Lion King.
And so Simba dramatically ascends the rock and then roars loudly. When he does, the other lions acknowledge his victory, dominion, and authority. Though Simba has been designated as the King from the start of the movie, and though he had conquered in battle, he still was not installed as the ruling king until he ascended Pride Rock.
In an infinitely better way, Jesus – from all eternity – had been designated as our king and Lord. But Jesus had to be installed as king. He had to be enthroned. He had to ascend to the right hand of God the Father in heaven, where He now sits at the Father’s right hand – a position representative of the total power and authority that He possesses over everything everywhere for His glory and for the benefit of us, His Church. That enthronement, with all of its Spiritual significance for us, occurred once Jesus completed His redemptive work and ascended into heaven, assuming His ordained role as our Lord and Heavenly King. And that’s why we celebrate His ascension this evening…..and why we recognize it both as the completion of Jesus’ redemptive work for us, and as the inauguration of a new phase in His ministry….where He maintains always His presence among us, and at the same time He rules over everything as our King for the earthly and everlasting good of all those who love Him and believe in Him as their God and Savior…..which means, for your and my good.
The History Of The Christian Church’s Observance of Christ’s Ascension
According to Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51, Acts 1:2, and I Corinthians 15:1-6, Jesus appeared to many of His disciples during the 40 days following His resurrection. On the 40th day, He came again to the Apostles and led them out to the Mount of Olives, just outside of Jerusalem and near Bethany. Once Jesus had delivered His farewell message to the disciples He lifted up His nail-scarred hands in blessing, at which point His body began to miraculously rise into the air until a cloud bore Him out of their sight. What an amazing, yet very fitting end (and exclamation point) to Jesus’ earthly ministry! We want to celebrate our Lord’s Ascension tonight because it assures us that His work of redemption truly is completed; it teaches us of our Lord’s triumphant homecoming re-entry into heaven and of His continuing ministry for our benefit as our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, seated at the Father’s right hand; and it reminds us that there will be a Second Coming of Jesus when He will judge the world, and that we need to remain faithful to Him and to be spiritually ready at all times for His return.
The Festival of the Ascension of our Lord always falls on a Thursday, since it occurred 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection. Among the Eastern Orthodox Churches this occasion was first known as analepsis (Greek for “the taking up”), and also as the episozomene (Greek for “on account of salvation”). This latter term expresses the belief that, by ascending into His heavenly glory Christ truly has completed the work of our redemption. Among Western Churches (such as ours) the terms traditionally used for this occasion were ascensio or ascensa, both signifying that Christ “raised up” Himself into heaven on this day through His own divine power.
Though many Christians are utterly unaware that today even is “Ascension Day,” for the Christian Church in generations past this festival ranked in highest importance along with the observances of Christ’s birth (Christmas), His death on Good Friday, His Resurrection on Easter morning, and the Festival of Pentecost which commemorates the Holy Spirit’s outpouring on the early Church.
Although no documentary evidence exists prior to the 4th century, according to Augustine of Hippo (one of the early church “fathers” – that is, “key leaders”), the Festival of the Ascension of our Lord was instituted by the Apostles. John Chrysostom and Gregory of Nyssa, contemporaries of Augustine, refer to it as being one of the Church’s oldest festivals (along with the observance of Good Friday and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection). According to them, its origin as a special occasion for worship goes back – at least — to the year AD 68. It could also be that, prior to the fifth century, the Ascension Day facts narrated in the Gospels were commemorated in conjunction either with the Festival of the Resurrection or that of Pentecost.
Ascension observances in the Early Church typically included processional pilgrimages which would begin outside the walls of a given city, and which would be completed by a special worship service in the local church at the close of the procession. The processions themselves were intended to recall our Lord’s leading His disciples out of Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives, where He lifted up His hands and blessed them immediately prior to His ascent into heaven. During the Middle Ages, the processions were enhanced with banners and candles, which were intended to symbolize Christ’s triumphant entry into heaven. For example, the “Paschal candle,” which was lighted at Easter and had burned for forty days, and which represented the presence of the Lord with His Disciples, was extinguished after the reading of the Gospel Lesson (Luke 24:50-53).
The “liturgical color” for this special occasion (found on our altar, pulpit and lectern) is the color for the Easter Season: white, which symbolizes the purity and glorification of the risen and now ascended Savior. Often the Lord’s Supper is celebrated as a part of the observance of this Festival of the Ascension of our Lord. Another element of the Church’s Ascension commemoration, at least up through the Middle Ages, actually began on the evening before the festival, when priests and deacons attended a vigil-worship service made up of special prayers and Scripture readings. As we noted earlier, the Paschal candle (which traditionally was lit on Easter Sunday) was extinguished at the end of the Gospel Lesson. It was the Church’s way of proclaiming through its worship that the work of salvation was indeed completed and Christ has been glorified through His return to Heaven. A seven day period for the Church of special prayers and devotions would follow, which the priests and deacons continued afterward for two more days. This nine day devotional period (traditionally known as a novena…..Latin for “nine”) also served as a period of preparation for the observance of Pentecost, which began the following day.
Churches around the world observe many distinctive Ascension Day traditions. For example, in some places special prayers are offered for the blessing of the fruits of the earth; the reason for their inclusion in the ascension observation remains unclear. Some churches depict the Ascension of Christ by raising a statue of Jesus above the altar, or even by lifting it through a special door in the roof. Interestingly, in a few churches, while the figure of Christ is made to ascend, that of the devil is made to descend. Other churches have outdoor processions with torches and banners. In an old Ascension Day tradition from England, church members carry a banner bearing the symbol of a lion at the head of the procession, and a second banner bearing the symbol of a dragon at the rear. This is intended to represent the victory of Christ over the Devil.
The Significance of Christ’s Ascension for Us
It’s interesting – if you even care to look when you get home later this evening – that only a very few calendars anymore still identify today as “Ascension Day.” The vast majority of calendars don’t note that this day marks the day of the Lord’s ascension – and most haven’t done so for many years. Indeed, I’d venture to say that most people (including regular church attenders) have gone through this day without reflecting on the fact – even for a moment – that today is the day of Jesus’ Ascension……. and that shouldn’t be surprising in the least to us. After all, Ascension Day isn’t like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving Day…..occasions for which most people make plans far in advance, and which nearly everyone recognizes and celebrates. Only a handful of Christian churches, and even fewer of their members, still observe the day of our Lord’s Ascension by holding and participating in a special worship service (like we’re doing here this evening ….. and God bless you for your presence and participation in this evening’s service! …..).
Now, it’s sad enough that many persons ignore this “Festival,” but it would be even sadder if, as we gathered here this evening, did so merely to commemorate the historical event that saw Christ’s ascending into heaven. We want (and we need) to recognize that for us – personally and practically-speaking – Jesus’ ascension really is something significant to and beneficial for our Christian faith and godly living today.
The festival of the Ascension marks the climax of Christ’s visible ministry on earth and is recognized as the “official completion” of His redemptive work. As such it provides us with the assurance that our salvation is certain through faith in what He achieved for us. It can also serve as an important reminder to the Church of our responsibility — before Christ’s return on Judgment Day, or our call from this life via Christian death – to be busy with the work that our Savior has given us to spread the light of the Gospel throughout the world for the salvation of souls everywhere.
In addition, we want to recognize on this occasion that, along with Christ’s descent into hell and His resurrection, the Ascension is another stage in His “Exaltation” (the progressive re-assuming of His divine power and glory which He partially laid aside when He came to earth as the God-man). More importantly, it formally marks the entrance of our Savior, according to His human nature, into a greater and fuller mode of existence beyond the confines of space and time; an existence of complete power and authority over all things at the “right hand of God the Father Almighty.” This authority Christ exercises for the benefit of His Church. In heaven He also serves as our Great High Priest, being the “Mediator” between us and our Heavenly Father. One final remark is yet in order….Christ’s “sitting on the right hand of God the Father” does not mean that He is physically confined to a certain place, far from us. Quite to the contrary, no longer bound by time or space, through His ascension into glory Christ is now able (according to His omnipresent capability) to be present everywhere and at all times for all who are a part of His Church — including for you and for me.
This Evening’s Scripture Lessons
This evening’s Opening Scripture Reading is Luke’s “shorter” account of Jesus’ Ascension, found at the end of the 24th chapter of his Gospel. (The longer version is found in the opening verses of Acts chapter 1, tonight’s Sermon Text.)
Our Second Lesson is taken from Peter’s first epistle. In it Peter talks about the suffering and death of Christ for us. He also talks about Jesus “vivification” (coming back to life after three days) and His descent into hell (not to suffer for sin; that was finished on the cross, but….) to proclaim His victory over Satan, sin and death. After an incidental reference to the souls of those damned to hell – including unbelievers who died during the Great Flood – Peter talks about how God saved Noah and his family through the flood waters and the ark…..which, says Peter, serve as the antitype (a spiritual forerunner) of the Sacrament of Baptism, through which God rescues us from spiritual death by assuring us of the forgiveness of sins and which works in our hearts the miracle of saving faith. He finishes our reading with a reference to the source of Baptism’s power – namely the redemptive work and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who not only died and rose, but is now reigning in heaven for our benefit as our Ascended, glorious Lord.
This evening’s Gospel Lesson comes from the final chapter of the Gospel of Mark. We find Jesus first commissioning His Apostles (and, eventually, all the Church….including us) to actively go out into the world and preach His Gospel of salvation to everyone. Christ also tells them that they will be empowered to perform amazing miracles as a way of attracting attention in order to facilitate the preaching of His Word. Then Jesus takes them out to a high mountain and visibly ascends into heaven – leaving His followers behind to carry out His commission (and their calling as His disciples) to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world.
And finally, our Sermon for this Ascension Day observance is based on the closing verses of Luke’s longer history of Jesus ascension, from Acts 1. Using, as our theme “The Significance of Christ’s Ascension For Us” we’ll touch on the historical reality of the Ascension (something many people today dismiss as a myth). We’ll also talk about the Spiritual significance of the ascension event, particularly as it has to do with Christ’s completed work of redemption and the assurance of forgiveness and salvation for us who believe in Him. We also will look at the practical implications of Jesus’ ascent into heaven – namely, that He is our Ally and Advocate in heaven. As such He not only assures that our prayers are heard, but has also promised us that He will work out everything for the good of us, His Church. Finally, we’ll take a few moments to remind ourselves that Christ’s ascension serves as an encouragement to us to stay spiritually ready (and so, strong in our faith) as we eagerly wait either for our Lord’s call from this world to heaven through death, or for His second coming – when He will judge the world and take us, His Church, into heavenly glory forever and ever.
Pre-Service Prayer – In the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. My heavenly Father, I thank You through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, for keeping me through this day from all harm and danger. Forgive me all my sins, wherever I have done wrong, and graciously keep me through the night. Into Your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, so that the devil may have no power over me. Amen.
Silent Prayer upon entering the sanctuary Pre-service music
We Praise Our God
Service Introduction and Invitation to Worship
At the Pastor’s invitation, the Congregation will rise for
The Invocation
We begin this service in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Story of Christ’s Ascension Luke 24:44-53
44 He said to them, “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”
45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, “This is what is written and so it must be: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 Look, I am sending you what My Father promised. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
50 He led them out as far as the vicinity of Bethany. He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 And while He was blessing them, He parted from them and was taken up into heaven. 52 So they worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 They were continually in the temple courts, praising and blessing God. Amen
The Opening Hymn Hymn 171 “A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing”
1 A hymn of glory let us sing!
New songs throughout the world shall ring:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Christ, by a road before untrod, Ascends unto the throne of God.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
2 The holy apostolic band Upon the Mount of Olives stand,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
And with His followers they see Their Lord ascend in majesty.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
3 To them the shining angels cry,
“Why stand and gaze upon the sky?”
Alleluia! Alleluia!
“This is the Savior,” thus they say.
“This is His glorious triumph day.”
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
4 “You see Him now, ascending high
Up to the portals of the sky.”
Alleluia! Alleluia!
“Hereafter Jesus you shall see Returning in great majesty.”
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen
After which the Congregation will rise as
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent
hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.
Congregation Almighty and most merciful God, + We acknowledge and confess + that we have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed; + That we have not loved You with all our heart and soul, + and with all our mind and strength; + and that we have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. + We ask You, O God, + to be forgiving of what we have been, + to help us to change what we are, + and – in Your mercy – to direct what we shall be, + so that the love of what is righteous in Your sight + might always be in our hearts, + that we may always walk blamelessly in Your commandments, + and faithfully follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ to the very end. + Amen.
Pastor Upon this, your voluntary confession, and in accordance with the responsibilities entrusted to me as a called and ordained servant of the Living Word, I assure you that God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven you all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, He has removed your guilt and condemnation forever. You are His own dear child – an heir of everlasting life through faith in Christ. May God now give you the strength of faith to live according to His will. Go in His grace and peace. Amen.
Tonight’s Psalm Reading selected verses of Psalm 24
P: The earth is the Lord’s and everything that fills it, the world and all who live in it.
C: because He founded it on the seas, + and He established it on the rivers.
P: Who may go up to the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place?
C: He who has clean hands and a pure heart, + whose soul is not set on what is false, + who does not swear deceitfully.
P: He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God Who saves him.
C: Such are the people of Jacob who look for the Lord, + who seek Your face.
P: Lift up your heads, you gates.
C: Lift yourselves up, you ancient doors, + and the King of Glory will come in.
P: Who is this King of Glory?
C: The Lord strong and mighty, + the Lord mighty in battle.
P: Lift up your heads, you gates. Lift up, you ancient doors, and the King of Glory will come in.
C: Who is He, this King of Glory? The Lord of Armies—He is the King of Glory.
A Special Ascension Day Prayer
O Almighty God, the LORD of glory, + You have exalted Your only Son Jesus Christ + into heaven in great triumph. + But we remain here in this sinful world. + And so, we pray, that You would not leave us here without Your divine comfort or direction. + Rather, please continue to guide and protect us + as members of the Holy Christian Church on earth, + both through the Holy Scriptures + and through the abiding presence and abundant power of our LORD Jesus Christ, + So that we might serve You faithfully here, + until, for Jesus’ sake, You take us to be with You in heavenly glory. + We ask all this in the name of Your Son, our Savior, + Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, + as the One true, God, + now and forever. + Amen
after which the Congregation will be seated as
We Hear God’s Word
Tonight’s Second Lesson I Peter 3:17-22
17 Indeed, it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil, 18 because Christ also suffered once for sins in our place, the Righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in flesh but was made alive in spirit, 19 in which He also went and made an announcement to the spirits in prison. 20 These spirits disobeyed long ago, when God’s patience was waiting in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In this ark a few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water. 21 And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the body but the guarantee of a good conscience before God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 22 He went to heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to Him.
The Festival Anthem Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus; His the scepter, His the throne;
Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion Thunder like a mighty flood:
“Jesus out of ev’ry nation Has redeemed us by His blood.”
Alleluia! Not as orphans Are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us; Faith believes, nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received Him
When the forty days were o’er,
Shall our hearts forget His promise: “I am with you evermore”?
The Gospel Lesson Mark 16:14-20
14 Later, He appeared to the Eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table. He rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.
15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17 “These signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons. They will speak in new languages. 18 They will pick up snakes. And if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them. They will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.”
19 Then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
20 Those who went out preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed His Word by the signs that accompanied it.
The Sermon Hymn Hymn 175 “Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise”
1 Hail the day that sees Him rise To His throne above the skies!
Christ, the Lamb for sinners giv’n, Reascends His native heav’n.
2 There the glorious triumph waits: Lift your heads, eternal gates.
He has conquered death and sin; Take the King of glory in!
3 See, the heav’n its Lord receives,
Yet He loves the earth He leaves;
Though returning to His throne, Still He calls mankind his own.
4 Still for us He intercedes; His prevailing death He pleads.
He, the first of all our race, Near Himself prepares a place. AMEN
The Pre-Sermon Greeting
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord! Amen.
The Sermon Text Acts 1:1-12
I wrote my first book, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began doing and teaching 2 until the day He was taken up, after He had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. 3 After He had suffered, He presented Himself alive to the apostles with many convincing proofs. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and told them things about the kingdom of God. 4 Once, when He was eating with them, He commanded them, “Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for what the Father promised, which you heard from Me. 5 For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
6 So when they were together with Him, they asked, “Lord, is this the time when You are going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by His own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After He said these things, He was taken up while they were watching, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. 10 They were looking intently into the sky as He went away. Suddenly, two men in white clothes stood beside them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus, Who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.
The Significance of Christ’s Ascension for us
after the Sermon, the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Post-Sermon Blessing May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, Who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts to the Lord
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
We offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) Those in the chapel can place their offerings in the offering plates
2) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to Grace Lutheran Church (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
3) Or, go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.
at the Pastor’s invitation the Congregation will rise for
The Prayers for the Church
P Confident of our Lord’s return, let us approach our Father’s throne of mercy on behalf of the Church and of all people……….
Lord Jesus Christ, as You ascended up through endless ranks of angels to Your home in heaven You did not leave us or forsake us. By Your Word and Sacraments, and by the sending of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, You continue to abide with us, to teach us, to enlighten us, and to strengthen us in the one true faith.
C: As we look forward to Your Second Coming, + keep us faithful in proclaiming the Law and Gospel + which is to be preached in Your name to all nations + to bring people to repentance over their sins + and to assure them of Your limitless forgiveness..
P Lord Jesus Christ, continue to bring before Your glorious Father our plea that You would continue to send upon us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we may better know You and Your will. As the Father has placed all things under Your feet and appointed You Head over everything for the Church, instill peace, unity and a commitment to faithfully living and proclaiming the whole counsel of Your Word throughout all of Christendom and especially in our Synod.
C: Grant us faith to take to heart the reality of Your promised return + and so to be urgently about the task of baptizing and teaching + both in our community and to the ends of the earth.
P Lord Jesus Christ, from Your place at the right hand of the Father You continually intercede for us. Favorably hear the cries for mercy from those who are ill and those in pain – granting them wholeness and healing. We especially pray for all those persons in our immediate church family who are dealing (and in some cases struggling) with various health and other personal problems ranging from financial issues, to relationship challenges, to living alone. Grant them the assurance of Your continued presence and power which is at work – always – to bless them and enrich their lives.
P: And now, please hear us, Lord, as we take a few moments to offer Your our silent, personal petitions and praises.
Silent Prayer
P: Finally, as the disciples lifted their eyes to watch Your ascension, so lift our eyes daily to look for Your coming again in glory.
C: Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven + Hallowed be Thy name. + Thy Kingdom come. + Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. + Give us this day our daily bread. + And forgive us our trespasses + as we forgive those who trespass against us. + And lead us not into temptation. + But deliver us from evil. + For Thine is the kingdom + And the power + And the glory + Forever and ever. Amen.
We Celebrate the Lord’s Supper
The Words of Institution – Spoken by the Pastor
Our Self-Examination Before Receiving The Lord’s Supper
Pastor – Let us now examine ourselves in preparation for receiving this Sacrament of our Lord, as the inspired Apostle Paul so instructs us in I Corinthians 11, where he writes, “…whoever eats the bread and drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgement upon himself.”
Pastor – Accordingly, are you sincerely sorry for your sins and determined, with God’s help, to change your sinful ways?
Congregation Yes, I am sorry for my sins and desire to serve Jesus and not a sinful lifestyle.
Pastor – Do you believe that here in the Lord’s Supper you will receive, along with the bread and wine, the true body and blood of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
Congregation Yes, I believe that I will be receiving the true body and blood of my Lord and Savior, which was given into death for my sins.
Pastor – Are you coming to the Lord’s table as one in the faith with this Christian congregation, as the Scriptures teach?
Congregation Yes I have studied the teachings of this congregation concerning God’s Word; I agree with them; And am one in faith with them, as the Scriptures command me to be before I come to the Lord’s table with anyone.
Pastor – Finally, do you recognize your need for forgiveness and do you believe that you will receive through the Lord’s Supper the full and free forgiveness of all your sins?
Congregation Yes, I have examined my life, see the need for God’s forgiveness and believe that I will receive complete forgiveness for all my sins, as my Savior has promised.
Pastor – Having examined yourselves and confessed your sins, come now with confidence and joy to your Lord’s table and receive here, through His body and blood, the guarantee that your sins are all forgiven, and that eternal life and salvation are surely yours.
(Please read the following if you have not spoken with
our Pastor about taking communion. Thank you.)
TO OUR GUESTS AND FRIENDS
We ask that only “Confirmed, Communicant” members of this congregation, or of one of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations come forward to receive the Lord’s Supper at this time. To us the Lord’s Supper is both an expression of our common faith in Christ (which we share with all our fellow Christian worshipers this evening), and also a public expression of our complete doctrinal agreement as a congregation and church body (as I Corinthians 1:10 and 10:17, as well as Romans 16:17 and I John 4:1 require of us).
Accordingly if you are not a communicant member of Grace Lutheran Church or our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, we are not, in any way, judging your Christian faith by respectfully asking you not to join us in the Lord’s Supper this evening. Rather, we pray that our Scripture-based practice of “Close Communion” will encourage all those Christians who are not presently in full fellowship with us to seriously examine the teachings and practices of their church in order to determine if those teachings and practices are really in full agreement with God’s Word. It is our earnest desire that you might become familiar with the doctrines of our congregation, so that you might one day join with us at the Lord’s altar in this public expression of full unity of doctrine and practice. Until then, please know that we are most grateful for your participation as a fellow Christian in this worship service, and that we appreciate your patience and understanding of our Communion practice. Finally, if you do have any questions or concerns about our “Close Communion” practice, please speak with our Pastor following this evening’s worship service, or at your convenience.
The Distribution of the Elements
We Conclude Tonight’s Worship Service
The Closing Prayer
Almighty God, to Whom all hearts are open, + all desires known, + and from Whom no secrets are hid, + cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the power of Your Holy Spirit, + that we may love You more completely, + praise You more joyously, + and serve You more faithfully. + These requests we make + in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, + Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, + as the one true, God – now and forever. + Amen.
The Closing Blessing –
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen
The Closing Hymn Hymn 173 “On Christ’s Ascension I Now Build”
1 On Christ’s ascension I now build The hope of mine ascension;
This hope alone has always stilled All doubt and apprehension;
For where the Head is, there as well
I know His members are to dwell
When Christ shall come and call them.
2 Oh, grant, dear Lord, this grace to me,
Recalling Your ascension,
That I may serve You faithfully, Adorning Your redemption;
And then, when all my days will cease,
Let me depart in joy and peace
In answer to my pleading. Amen.
Silent Prayer, Announcements, Post-service music