Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

182 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEwhom alone we have received liberty and life, have access to the throne ofgrace, are admitted to eat and drink at His own Table, and are sealed up byHis Spirit to an assurance of happiness and eternal life.(c) Earnestly entreating God, the Father of mercies, to be present with us inour celebration of the Supper, working effectually in us by the Holy Spirit,and so sanctifying the elements both of bread and wine, and blessing His ownordinance, that we would receive by faith the body and blood of Jesus Christ,crucified for us.(d) Further praying to Him that has loved us and given Himself for us, thatwe might so feed upon Him, that He may be one with us, and we one withHim; that He may live in us, and we in Him.10.2 After prayer and thanksgiving, the minister shall take the bread and,having broken it, giveit to the people saying,"The Lord Jesus Christ, on the same night in which he wasbetrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He brokeit and said, 'Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you;do this in remembrance of Me.'"The bread may then be distributed, first to the communicants, and then tothe minister(s) and elder(s).10.3 Having given the bread, the minister shall take the cup and give it tothe people saying,"In the same manner He also took the cup after supper,saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, asoften as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' For as often asyou eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord'sdeath till He comes."The cup may then be distributed, first to the communicants, and then to theminister(s) and elder(s).11. After all have communed, a brief address may be given at the Table,by the ministering elder, emphasizing the grace of God in Jesus Christ heldforth in the sacrament, and "exhorting them to continue in the faith" (Ac.14:22). The service may be concluded with a Prayer of Thanksgiving, thereceiving of offerings for the Mercy Fund (or some other benevolentpurpose), a suitable Psalm (such as Pss. 72 and 103), and the Benediction.