What is the Distribution?
It is when the members come forward to receive the Sacrament, in which we receive the body and blood of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and strengthening of faith. We kneel before the altar in reverence to God.
What does it have to do with our worship?
The reception of the Sacrament is one of the focal points of our worship. We come to receive the grace Christ brings. This is when and where we receive it. We also express our joy and confess our faith in the promises made in the Sacrament when we sing the hymns during the distribution. In the reception of the Sacrament we also confess our faith in Jesus and in the promises made concerning the Sacrament. We also express our unity of faith and doctrine.
What does the Bible have to say about this?
Matthew 25:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20 – Jesus distributes the Sacrament of His body and blood to His disciples.
1 Corinthians 10:16 – Paul affirms what we are receiving; the very body and blood of Jesus.
1 Corinthians 11:23-29 – Paul affirms that what we receive is the very body and blood of Jesus and calls on each person who receives it to examine themselves as to what they believe before they come.
Suggestions
You may want to take some time Saturday night or early Sunday morning to remind yourselves what the Sacrament is and what you are confessing when you receive it. This can be done by the scriptures mentioned above, the catechism section on the Sacrament of the Altar, the communion statement in the bulletin, or the prayer before receiving the Sacrament which is found in TLH page 118. You also may want to sing the following hymns: LSB 622, 623, 628, 632, 637.
Object Lesson
Remind them why we come to the dinner table; we need food to live. Then teach them that the Sacrament of the Altar is food for our faith. Jesus sets this table for us and asks that we truly understand what He is giving before we come. Jesus also feeds us with His Word. This is a special meal He left us to give us His grace.
Prayer
Lord God Almighty, we thank You for feeding us with your grace through the Word and Sacraments. We especially thank You for the Supper you have given us and pray that You would use this to feed our souls, strengthen our faith, and help us to always confess Your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.