Prayer before Receiving Communion at Home

Dearest Jesus! I desire to receive the Holy Supper here upon my sickbed, because I know not when I shall depart from this world. And because I do not want to appear without Thee before the judgment-bar of God, I desire once more to commune with Thee while I live, that Thou mayest be and abide in me, and I in Thee. I would now receive the Holy Supper here in my home, and I am confident that Thou wilt here delight and quicken me with Thy grace.

O dearest Friend of the soul, who art nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and savest such as be of a contrite spirit! Gladden my heart, and strengthen my soul through this heavenly food and drink. I have, indeed, received it, when I was well, together with the congregation. But, alas, I did not always receive it with such devotion and earnestness as I should, because the throng of people, my own vanity; and my roving eyes prevented me from doing so. But now no one can disturb me, because I shall commune with Thee in my solitude.

O dearest Jesus, since I now purpose to keep this heavenly feast of joy on earth in holy devotion, and there are no other hindrances to a devotional spirit, do Thou also relieve my pain and sickness, and strengthen me during this hour, in order that I may carry out my purpose unhindered and undisturbed.

I now show forth Thy death, and remember Thy sufferings and crucifixion, Thy wounds and pain, Thy agony and torturing pangs, Thy expiring groan, and all that Thou hast done for me. I remember these things, and I give Thee heartfelt thanks for them. Yea, I thank Thee now with all my heart, O Jesus, for Thy wounds and pain and cruel death, and will be thankful to Thee forever.

I remember also the institution of the Holy Supper, in which Thou dost give me food and drink unto eternal life. I accept Thy words as the words of an all-knowing, almighty, and faithful God. I believe that in the Lord’s Supper I receive Thy true body and Thy true blood. When I receive the bread that has been blessed, I receive in an invisible manner Thy true body, O Jesus; and when I receive the cup that has been blessed, I receive in an invisible manner Thy true blood. This heavenly food and heavenly drink shall strengthen me in believing that I am reconciled to God. This heavenly food and drink shall give me the comforting assurance, that I am not lost but have eternal life. This heavenly food and drink shall assure me that I stand in Thy grace that I have the forgiveness of sins, and that I am united with Thee, who art the propitiation for our sins and the sins of the whole world. This heavenly food and drink shall remind me of the feast of joy in heaven, — of the eternal bliss and glory which Thou shalt grant me after death. O Jesus, Thou Bridegroom of my soul, sanctify and cleanse me, that my soul may be betrothed and married to Thee forever. O Shepherd of my soul, lead Thy sheep in green pastures, feed me with the bread of life, strengthen me with Thy precious blood. Then Satan shall not be able to harm me, nor my sins accuse and condemn me. Here is the perfect ransom for my sins, the ransom which Thou didst pay for me on the cross, and by which I am justified and saved. Amen.