October 15

Who shall also confirm you unto the end that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:8.

The day on which we go to Communion is a day of spiritual refreshment for our weary souls. We then enter, as it were, a cloud which hides the world and its vanity from view that in communion with Christ we may learn how best to resist the temptations which daily waylay us from birth to death. If we come to this Sacrament, saying with the publican, "God be merciful to me, a sinner," and go away justified and comforted, our joy over the seal of forgiveness granted us in the Holy Supper is a sign of the new life within us. And if we feel no joy, if we but believe His Word, our faith is a true indication of our new life, which is nourished at the Lord's Table; for the Holy Supper is rightly regarded as food for the soul, which quickens and refreshes the new man. And thus our faith is greatly strengthened by the Bread of Life in Holy Communion.

In the Sacrament, we have had the most intimate communion with Christ and care again assured that He is with us always and that hereafter we shall see Him face to face and in His presence have fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore; and we leave the Communion altar with the resolve to bear our burdens with Christian patience and to trust firmly in our Savior's love, knowing that it is but a little while when we shall see Him in whom we believed here and He shall wipe away all tears from our eyes. This glorious hope becomes unwavering, while our faith is strengthened in the Sacrament. Thus faith becomes bold and brave to face all trials and hardships of this life unflinchingly.

When partaking of the Lord's Supper we are particularly to remember His suffering and death, and we ought to make the earnest resolve never again to be ashamed of Him, never again to deny Him who gave His body and blood for us, but to bear witness of Him boldly and to confess His name before the world.

Prayer.

O grant, my dear Redeemer and Savior, that by means of this blessed food and drink my faith may be strengthened more and more, that I may enter into ever closer communion with Thee, gain strength for leading a godly life, and be ever more assured

of the eternal life of joy in heaven, — all for the sake of Thy holy merits. Let me be ever thankful for all Thy goodness and mercy. When in the Holy Supper I have received the heavenly gift, let me go to my home with thanksgiving and with the resolve to be no more guilty of ingratitude. Let me offer up praise and thanks to Thee continually. Amen.

We are rich, for He was poor;

Is not this a wonder?

Therefore praise God evermore

Here on earth and yonder!