Rediscovering Communion: A Call to Intimacy with Jesus
Guest post by Juniah Ramirez
Ezra 2-3; 1 Corinthians 11; Proverbs 3
These were some heavy chapters today. In 1 Corinthians 11, there’s a lot of correction about being together and coming together—not just for the better, but for the worse. The focus wasn’t on the Lord; it was mainly on themselves hindering quite a few things in that time, and Paul was correcting those things!
(1 Corinthians 11:24-25) “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 also, he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'”
This portion about the Lord’s Supper holds a special place for me. Nowadays, in our casual approach in church, we often overlook the significance. We mindlessly consume our dry wafers, recite some grand words, and sip overly sweet grape juice. We go to church with all of our routines and agendas. I’m guilty of this!
When we take communion, we are partaking in a marriage and a covenant with Jesus. It tells us we are doing this in remembrance of him, and that’s serious—a man totally guiltless died on our behalf. He was blameless, pure-hearted, and loved like no other, and he was put on a cross to deal with our transgressions.
Over the recent weeks as a team, we’ve intentionally come together for communion, taking the time to contemplate and reflect on Him. Our conversations have been marked by sincerity, collectively seeking the Lord’s guidance to purify our intentions. Our hearts are grounded in a space of repentance. The emphasis isn’t on chasing the next big thing; rather, it’s about dwelling in the presence of the Lord. Even if it’s just a small group of 2-3 individuals, that holds significant value.
Communion – the Lord desires our genuine connection, our undivided attention, and the fullness of our hearts. While we acknowledge that we might not have everything perfectly understood, the palpable nearness of the Lord’s presence is something we deeply treasure and hold onto.
Friends, maybe you’re far away, or perhaps you’re close by, but I encourage you to start taking communion. You might be surprised—the Lord will come close and meet you right there.
Deepening Faith: Reflective Journal Prompts
- Reflect on Your Last Communion Experience: Think about the last time you took communion. Did you feel a deep connection with Jesus during this time? Write about your emotions, thoughts, and any revelations you might have had.
- Understanding the Covenant: Reflect on what the covenant with Jesus means to you personally. How does it affect your daily life and your relationship with God?
- The Importance of Remembrance: Why is it important to “do this in remembrance of me,” as Jesus instructs during the Last Supper? How can you make this act of remembrance more meaningful in your own practice of communion?
- Communion in Solitude vs. Community: Compare and contrast taking communion alone versus with others. How does the experience change for you? What unique benefits do you find in each setting?
- Seeking Sincerity in Worship: Reflect on the times you’ve approached worship, including communion, with a routine mindset. What steps can you take to approach God more sincerely and with a pure heart during these times?
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