Worship and Holy Communion: An Instructed Eucharist Service

Devotional

Day 1: Worship Is the Work of the People, Not Just a Feeling

Worship is not about personal feelings or experiences, but a deliberate act of honoring God’s worthiness with our whole selves.
Worship, at its core, is not dependent on how we feel or the emotional atmosphere of a service; rather, it is a conscious act of offering our best to God, declaring His worthiness through our words, actions, and presence. The tradition of bringing offerings, singing, and participating in liturgy reminds us that worship is a choice and a discipline, not merely a response to emotion. When we gather, we are invited to focus on God’s greatness and respond with intentional praise, regardless of our internal state, trusting that He is always worthy of our devotion. [07:54]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally honor God today, even if you don’t “feel” like worshiping—perhaps through a simple act of service, prayer, or praise?

Day 2: The Cross and Christ’s Righteousness Make Us Worthy to Worship

We are able to stand before God and worship because of the cross of Jesus and the righteousness He gives us.
Our ability to come into God’s presence is not based on our own merit or purity, but on the finished work of Christ on the cross. The cross goes before us, making peace and reconciling us to God, and we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness, not our own. This is symbolized in the white robes worn in worship, echoing the vision of saints in heaven, and serves as a reminder that our worship is possible only because of Jesus’ sacrifice and the gift of His righteousness. [10:29]

Colossians 1:20 (ESV)
And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Reflection: How does remembering that you are clothed in Christ’s righteousness—rather than your own efforts—change the way you approach God in worship or prayer today?

Day 3: Our Worship on Earth Joins the Worship of Heaven

When we gather, we join with saints and angels in the ongoing worship around God’s throne.
The liturgy and worship we participate in each week are not isolated events, but are deeply connected to the eternal worship described in Scripture. As we sing “Holy, holy, holy,” we echo the praises of angels and saints in heaven, joining a great multitude from every nation. This connection reminds us that our worship is part of something much larger than ourselves, linking us to the worship of God’s people throughout history and across the world, and filling our gatherings with awe and wonder. [11:33]

Revelation 7:9-10 (ESV)
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Reflection: As you worship this week, how can you become more aware that you are joining with the worship of heaven and believers around the world?

Day 4: Christ Is Made Known to Us in the Breaking of the Bread

Jesus reveals His presence to us as we gather, hear the Word, and share Holy Communion.
The pattern of Christian worship—gathering in Christ’s presence, hearing the Scriptures, and breaking bread together—mirrors the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. In the breaking of the bread, Christ was made known to them, and so too, in Holy Communion, we encounter the real presence of Jesus. This is a moment of mystery and grace, where we are invited to come hungry, receive what Christ has done, and be filled with His life and power, equipping us to go out as His witnesses. [44:47]

Luke 24:30-35 (ESV)
When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Reflection: What would it look like for you to come to the Lord’s Table (or to prayer) this week with a fresh hunger and expectation to encounter Christ’s presence?

Day 5: Forgiveness and Reconciliation Are Central to Worship

We are called to confess our sins, receive God’s forgiveness, and seek reconciliation with others before offering our gifts.
Worship is not just about singing or rituals, but about coming before God with honest hearts, confessing where we have fallen short, and receiving the assurance of forgiveness through Christ. Jesus teaches that reconciliation with others is so important that we should seek peace with our brothers and sisters before bringing our offerings. Passing the peace and confessing our sins are not empty traditions, but powerful acts that prepare us to worship God with integrity and unity. [01:00:58]

Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV)
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Reflection: Is there someone you need to seek peace or reconciliation with before you come to God in worship or prayer? What step can you take today to move toward that reconciliation?

Sermon Summary

When we gather for worship, we are entering into something far deeper than a routine or a search for a particular feeling. The word “liturgy” means “the work of the people,” and this is a vital reminder that worship is an act—something we do together to honor the living God who is present among us. Our worship is not about chasing an emotional high or being entertained; it is about offering our best to God, declaring His worthiness, and joining with the saints and angels in heaven in praise. The cross of Christ always goes before us, making it possible for us, as sinners, to stand in God’s holy presence. The robes we wear, the songs we sing, and the prayers we pray are all rich with meaning, connecting us to the worship of God’s people throughout history and even to the worship that is always happening in heaven.

Our worship is embodied—we bring our whole selves, not just our minds, but our bodies and senses, into the experience. We stand, kneel, sing, taste, see, and even smell, engaging every part of who we are in the praise of God. This is a reflection of Romans 12:1, where we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. Our prayers, drawn from the Book of Common Prayer and the Scriptures, unite us with Christians across the world and throughout the ages. We pray for one another, for our leaders, for peace, and for the needs of the world, just as Scripture instructs.

The structure of our worship is deeply biblical. The pattern of gathering, hearing the Word, breaking bread, and being sent out mirrors the encounter of the disciples with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. In Holy Communion, we believe in the real presence of Christ—a holy mystery that fills us with awe and wonder. We come to the table hungry for Jesus, receiving His body and blood as grace and strength for our journey. After being fed, we are sent out as missionaries, filled to overflowing so that we can share the good news and love of Christ with the world.

Confession and absolution are not empty rituals but moments of truth and grace. We acknowledge our failures, receive the assurance of forgiveness through Christ, and are reminded that God’s promises are sure. The passing of the peace and the offering are acts of reconciliation and thanksgiving, preparing us to receive the gifts of God. In all of this, we are reminded that worship is not a performance or a commodity, but a holy participation in the life of God, together as His people.

Key Takeaways

1. Worship is an Act, Not a Feeling True worship is not about chasing a particular emotional experience or being entertained. It is a deliberate act of offering ourselves and our best to God, declaring His worthiness regardless of how we feel. This reorients our hearts from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, reminding us that worship is about honoring the One who is always worthy. [07:54]
2. Embodied Worship Engages Our Whole Being God created us as embodied souls, not just minds or spirits. In worship, we engage all our senses—standing, kneeling, singing, tasting, seeing, and even smelling—so that our whole selves participate in honoring God. This physical engagement teaches us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, making worship a holistic act that shapes us deeply. [17:27]
3. The Liturgy Connects Us to the Church Across Time and Space Our structured prayers, readings, and rituals are not empty traditions but living connections to the worship of God’s people throughout history and around the world. The Book of Common Prayer, the lectionary, and the creeds unite us with saints past and present, reminding us that we are part of a much larger story and family. [19:31]
4. The Pattern of Worship Mirrors the Emmaus Road The fourfold pattern—gathering, hearing the Word, breaking bread, and being sent—reflects the biblical encounter of the disciples with Jesus after His resurrection. In this pattern, Christ is made known to us, especially in the breaking of the bread, and we are filled and sent out as witnesses. This structure is not arbitrary but deeply rooted in Scripture and the life of the early church. [43:33]
5. Confession, Absolution, and Reconciliation Are Central Confessing our sins and receiving absolution is not about ritual for its own sake, but about telling the truth before God and receiving His grace. The assurance of forgiveness is grounded in Christ’s finished work, not our feelings. The passing of the peace and the offering are acts of reconciliation and thanksgiving, preparing us to receive God’s gifts with clean hearts. [56:41]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:23] - What is Liturgy? The Work of the People
[08:30] - Worship: More Than a Feeling
[09:29] - The Cross Goes First: Procession and Robes
[11:04] - Earthly Worship and the Worship of Heaven
[16:57] - Embodied Worship: Engaging All Our Senses
[18:36] - The Book of Common Prayer and Global Connections
[19:31] - The Collect for Purity and the Need for God’s Help
[21:51] - The Law, Confession, and Prayers of the People
[27:05] - The Power of Scripture in Worship
[39:17] - The Biblical Roots of Liturgy
[43:33] - The Emmaus Road Pattern: Gathering, Word, Table, Sending
[45:09] - The Real Presence of Christ in Communion
[46:39] - Sent as Missionaries: Overflowing with Grace
[56:41] - Confession, Absolution, and the Assurance of Forgiveness
[01:00] - Passing the Peace and the Offering
[66:39] - The Great Thanksgiving and Holy Communion
[86:24] - Prayer After Communion and Final Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 12:1 (ESV) — > I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Luke 24:30-35 (ESV) — > When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Colossians 1:20 (ESV) — > and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Observation Questions

According to Romans 12:1, what does Paul say is our “spiritual worship”? What does it mean to offer our bodies as living sacrifices?
In the story from Luke 24, what are the four main actions that happen between Jesus and the disciples on the road to Emmaus? ([43:33])
The sermon mentions that the cross “goes first” in worship. What does Colossians 1:20 say about the role of the cross in our relationship with God? ([09:29])
What are some of the physical actions and senses involved in worship, as described in the sermon? ([17:27])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says worship is “an act, not a feeling.” Why might it be important to remember this, especially when we don’t “feel” spiritual or emotional during worship? ([07:54])
How does the pattern of gathering, hearing the Word, breaking bread, and being sent out (from Luke 24) shape our understanding of what worship is supposed to be? ([43:33])
The sermon talks about confession and absolution as “moments of truth and grace.” Why is it important to confess our sins together and receive assurance of forgiveness as a community? ([56:41])
The liturgy is described as connecting us to Christians across time and space. How might this change the way we think about our Sunday worship? ([19:31])

Application Questions

The sermon says worship is not about chasing a particular emotional experience or being entertained. Have you ever found yourself focusing on how worship “feels” rather than what you are offering to God? How can you reorient your heart to focus on God’s worthiness instead? ([07:54])
Embodied worship means using our whole selves—standing, kneeling, singing, tasting, seeing, even smelling. Is there a physical aspect of worship that is meaningful to you, or one that feels uncomfortable? How might you engage more fully with your body in worship? ([17:27])
The pattern of worship mirrors the Emmaus Road: gathering, hearing the Word, breaking bread, and being sent out. Which part of this pattern is most meaningful to you, and why? Is there a part you tend to overlook? ([43:33])
The sermon says that confession and absolution are not empty rituals but moments of truth and grace. Is there a sin or burden you have trouble believing God has truly forgiven? How can the words of absolution help you let go and receive God’s peace? ([56:41])
The passing of the peace and the offering are described as acts of reconciliation and thanksgiving. Is there someone in your life you need to be reconciled with before coming to worship? What step could you take this week to pursue peace? ([01:00:58])
The liturgy connects us to the global and historic church. How does knowing you are worshiping with Christians around the world and throughout history affect your sense of belonging and purpose in worship? ([19:31])
After being fed at the table, we are sent out as missionaries. What is one way you can share the love and good news of Christ with someone in your life this week? ([46:39])

Sermon Clips

We sinners, we don't have any righteousness of our own to boast in or present before God. We receive Christ's righteousness as a gift. In Galatians 3, it talks about being clothed with Christ in our baptism when we believe in him. And so, this is a reminder of that. [00:10:41] (18 seconds) #ClothedInChrist

We don't just hear stuff coming into our minds through our ears. We do that, but we also feel the water of baptism. We taste the bread and wine of holy communion, symbols and signs and sacred art that calls to mind aspects of our faith. And even on special occasions in this church, we smell the smell of incense. And so our whole bodies, all of our senses are engaged in the worship of God. And that teaches us something important. [00:17:42] (30 seconds) #SensesInWorship

As Anglicans, we do believe in the real presence of Christ in Holy Communion. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10, verses 16 and 17, that when we come to the table with faith, he says the bread which we break is a sharing or a participation in the body of Christ and the cup of blessing, a sharing in the blood of Christ. Unlike some other churches or traditions, Anglicans don't try to nail down exactly how that works. This is a holy mystery. We don't try to define it too tightly, but we do come hungry when we come to the table for the presence of Jesus. [00:45:04] (33 seconds) #RealPresenceMystery

Sometimes people confess their sins over and over and over and they really struggle to believe that God really has forgiven them. And sometimes it's important for somebody who actually has the authority to do this, and Jesus gave us this authority in John chapter 20, verse 23, to stand and say, just as you're going to hear me say in a moment, if you sincerely repent and with true faith turn to him, you are forgiven. You are absolved. You can let it go and be at peace. [00:57:34] (30 seconds) #AuthorityToForgive

Here's the gospel. Here's what Jesus, the good news of what he's done for you, to save you. And then we come with our whole being, not just with our minds, but with our bodies, with our hands, with our mouths, our whole being. We come and we say, yes, I want this in me, changing me, filling me, feeding me. We come and receive the gospel promises. [01:08:02] (22 seconds) #WholeBeingWorship

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. [01:27:52] (17 seconds) #PeaceThatSurpasses

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