Communion – a Language Re-formation

Some suggested alternative words for the Communion Service as presented in the URC hymnbook Rejoice and Sing.  Care has been taken to preserve the original rhythm of the phrasing so that, if required, the excellent musical settings can still be used.

Original:

Lord, have mercy upon us.  Christ, have mercy upon us

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Re-formed:

Lord, bring wholeness upon us.  Christ, the wholeness you showed us

Lord, bring wholeness upon us.

Original:

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,

We worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

You take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;

You are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,

You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit,

In the glory of God the Father.  Amen.

Re-formed:

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.

Lord God, breath of life, all-powerful enabler,

We worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, you remain here among us: your voice calls us all

To wash away the sin of the world with cleansing compassion,

For you showed the way of sacrifice; enable us all we pray.

For you are life in eternity, you are life in the now:

Yours the journey to follow through a cross to a feast of living

To the glory of God the Father.  Amen.

Original:

Jesus, Lamb of God: have mercy on us

Jesus, bearer of our sins: have mercy on us

Jesus, redeemer of the world: grant us peace.

Re-formed:

Jesus, light of God, illumine our ways;

Jesus, dwelling deep within, impose on our hearts;

Jesus, we yearn to set you free: live through us.

Original:

Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Blessed are those who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.  Alleluia.

Re-formed:

Behold the Love of God that longs to hug the whole of the world.

Happy are those who desire to commune with all humankind.  Alleluia.

Original:

Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.

Re-formed:

Lord, my insecurity confines me; release my human spirit, open my life.