A Prayer at Communion
A.W. Tozer's sermon 'A Prayer at Communion' emphasizes the importance of faith, God's presence, and unity among believers in the celebration of communion.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the sacredness of communion, inviting believers to approach the Lord's table in faith and remembrance of Christ's death and resurrection. He prays for God's presence to overshadow the congregation, seeking healing, purification, and strength for all present. Tozer highlights the inclusivity of the Lord's house, reminding everyone that they are all guests and children in God's family. He expresses a deep desire to love God acceptably, acknowledging the profound love Christ has for humanity, which surpasses even His own blood. The prayer culminates in a heartfelt plea for unity and reverence as they gather in worship.
Text
Dear Lord and Savior, we come to your table in faith, for you have told us, "As often as you do this, do it in memory of Me." Help us to celebrate this remembrance of death and resurrection in the very best way we know how. Do then, we pray Thee, overshadow us with Thy very breathing Presence. Breathe on us, 0 Breath of God; quicken and heal and purify and cleanse. Strengthen and perfect that which is wanting in us. Bless the strangers and the friends who happen to be within our gates today. Dear Lord, make them sense that they have found a home among us as we worship, and to realize that they are just as much "owners" here as we are; for it is the Lord's house and the Lord's table-it is not ours.
We are all guests and children in the household-all of us!
And we pray that we may love Thee acceptably, for we would not wound Thee again! Thou didst love us with such poured-out love that not even the blood in Thy veins was dear enough to Thee-we were dearer than that blood! All of this we ask in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Faith in Communion
- The Power of God's Presence
- The Lord's Table as a Symbol of Unity
- The Lord's table is a symbol of unity among believers
- All are guests and children in the household of God
Key Quotes
“Do then, we pray Thee, overshadow us with Thy very breathing Presence.” — A.W. Tozer
“Thou didst love us with such poured-out love that not even the blood in Thy veins was dear enough to Thee-we were dearer than that blood!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should approach communion with faith, recognizing its significance in our spiritual journey.
- We can experience spiritual growth and healing by seeking God's presence in our lives.
- The Lord's table is a symbol of unity among believers, reminding us that we are all guests and children in the household of God.