This simple liturgy of reading scripture, reflecting and praying together is intended to go along with your supper on Maundy Thursday. If you’d like to keep tech away from the dinner table you can download a printable version of this liturgy below.

A simple service of Communion is part of this liturgy, and we encourage you to prepare some bread and some grape juice or wine in a small pitcher. You can pick up supplies in your weekly grocery trip or do some baking! Have the elements in the center of the table for the meal.

Before the Meal

Read:  Matthew 25:1-13

Reflect/Discuss: What does it look like to be awake, aware, ready and prepared?

Prayers of Thanksgiving: Each person around the table offer a simple prayer of thanks. “God I thank you for…”

Pray Over the Meal: “Lord Jesus, Blessed are you – King of the Universe! We thank you for this food which comes from the earth to sustain us. May your Holy Spirit bring life to our heads, hearts, hands and souls that we would be found alert and awake to your nearness. Amen.”

Eat : Have supper in gratitude. Put the devices away! Savour the meal. Live in the moment. If you are alone or just need more company (hello extroverts!) call up another person, couple or family and be together.

Mid-Meal

(Maybe before seconds or before dessert)

Read: Matthew 26:26-29

Communion: 

Take the elements (bread and wine/juice) as they come up in the reading, breaking the bread, and pouring out the wine or juice.  

Words of Institution: “The apostle Paul tells us that on the night on which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ Paul goes on to tell us that he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ Paul then reminds us that whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the death of Jesus until he comes again.

Invitation: “Sisters and brothers, this is food for the journey to which God has called us. Let our lives be nourished by the Lord himself as we celebrate together at this table.”

Serve the elements as seems fitting and safe in your setting and then continue to enjoy your meal.

After the Meal

(Before leaving the table)

Read: Matthew 26:30

Sing: Sing a favourite hymn or close with the Doxology. Scratch out a tune even if it is painful.

Benediction: “Go now in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: not tentatively, but boldly; not cynically, but hopefully; not sadly, but joyfully – because tonight we have met again with the One who creates, forgives, and redeems. Amen”

Be Blessed as you do dishes on your way to Mount Olives!