The New Covenant was inaugurated through the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the night He was betrayed, the Bible says, “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:19-20)
The bread represents the body of Jesus Christ that was broken for us. Jesus suffered a horrible death, beaten beyond recognition, before being nailed to a cross. Isaiah 53:5 says, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” We often confess and declare that verse when praying for the sick; yet another method of healing, often overlooked, is in the very act of taking communion.
Most people don’t hesitate to take medicine, if they have a headache. Taking a few pills can often relieve the pain – that is, of course, if you do it. The bread in the communion meal represents the bread of heaven, God’s gift of healing for our sickness and pain. The apostle Paul tells us in I Corinthians 11, that a number of Christians in Corinth were sick and some even died, because they took the communion in an unworthy manner. The Scripture says they failed to discern the Lord’s body. Healing was available through the bread of life (John 6:35), but apparently, they were ignorant of that fact. They took communion in an unworthy manner not recognizing God’s gift of healing. They may have understood that His blood was shed for their sins, but they didn’t understand that His body was broken for their sickness.
Without faith, all of our spiritual acts are meaningless. If we pray without faith, our prayers will fall to the ground. If we fail to mix faith with the gospel, it will be of no avail. (Hebrews 4:2) If we take communion without faith, it will only serve as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Taking communion is a spiritual act that needs to be approached with reverence and faith. Unbelief will render the Word the God null and void. (Mark 7:13) When we come to the table of the Lord, we need to mix faith with our actions. God honors faith! He doesn’t accept the act apart from faith.
Every Christian can take communion on their own or with other believers. Nowhere in the Bible are we told that a pastor or church leader has to be present to take communion. In the early church, they broke bread daily from house to house. (Acts 2:46) 1 Corinthians also teaches that we need to do it with honor and reverence.
Before taking communion, ask the Lord to search your heart to see if there is any sin in your life. (Psalm 139: 23) If so, ask Him to forgive you and to cleanse you of all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9) Then pray a simple prayer of blessing over the bread and cup.
Father, I thank You for sending Your Son to pay the penalty for my sin and to purchase my salvation. My life is no longer my own; I have been bought with a price, the precious blood of Christ. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, I believe You came to save me to the uttermost – in body, soul, and spirit. I also believe it’s Your will that I walk in health, even as my soul prospers. Father, I ask you to bless this bread that represents the body of Your Son and bless this cup that represents His blood. As I receive this communion, I ask that you bring strength and health to my body, soul, and spirit. Father, I acknowledge that Jesus carried all my infirmities and by His stripes I am healed. I receive Your provision for healing through faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
