Why do we have communion rails and use communion ware?
Communion rails provide a place for God’s people to gather to receive the Sacrament of Christ’s body and blood. The communion ware are the vessels through which the bread and wine are distributed.
What do they mean to our worship?
The Sacrament of the Altar is the major celebration of God’s presence in our worship. Jesus promised that His body and blood are present in the Sacrament. We gather to receive Jesus’ body and blood for our forgiveness and the strengthening of our faith.
What does the Bible say about Communion rails and ware?
The Bible says little about the communion ware. Every reference to the Sacrament (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-29) includes mention of the cup, but the emphasis is on what is in the cup; the blood of Jesus. No mention is made of communion rails, but much mention is made in gathering to receive the Sacrament.
Suggestions
You may want to sing the following hymns from Lutheran Service Book: 618, 619, 622, 623.
Object Lesson
In teaching your family, show them the table, chairs, and plates, forks, and knives. This is the place, and these are the things used to eat a meal. None of these are the food. They are where and how we partake of the food. Tell them that the communion rail is the place, and the communion ware are the things, by which we receive the special meal Jesus gave us. In the bread and wine we receive Jesus’ body and blood for our good.
Prayer
I come, O Savior, to Thy table, for weak and weary is my soul; Thou, Bread of Life, alone art able to satisfy and make me whole: Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood be for my soul the highest good. Amen.