Monday: Understanding
Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God's name.
From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, as we start another week of work and school, lead us forward. Help us to learn from Jesus as we read our Bible story. Open our minds and hearts so that we may come to understand how very much he loved us — and loves us still. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.
Luke 22:14-22
When the time came for Jesus and the apostles to eat, he said to them, “I have very much wanted to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer. I tell you that I will not eat another Passover meal until it is finally eaten in God’s kingdom.”
Jesus took a cup of wine in his hands and gave thanks to God. Then he told the apostles, “Take this wine and share it with each other. I tell you that I will not drink any more wine until God’s kingdom comes.”
Jesus took some bread in his hands and gave thanks for it. He broke the bread and handed it to his apostles. Then he said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Eat this as a way of remembering me!”
After the meal he took another cup of wine in his hands. Then he said, “This is my blood. It is poured out for you, and with it God makes his new agreement. The one who will betray me is here at the table with me! The Son of Man will die in the way that has been decided for him, but it will be terrible for the one who betrays him!” (CEV)
Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.
Child: Jewish people have a Passover meal to remember when God “passed over” their homes and saved their first-born sons. What do Christians remember when we have the Holy Communion meal?
Child: How old were you when you first had Holy Communion? What did you think about it back then? What do you understand about it now? (If you haven’t yet begun receiving Communion, what do you think it is about?)
Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.
Heavenly Father, you loved us even when were most un-loveable. When we receive Holy Communion, help us to remember this, and to thankfully receive the forgiveness you so feely offer. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Have each person in the family bless one another with these words:
May you remember how much Jesus loves you! Amen.