Our liturgy wonderfully summarizes the beauty and significance of the divine service: The divine service is an anticipated experience of the future fellowship with the Triune God to which we have been called through the rebirth, and is the focal point of the life in the congregation. Each time we gather in Jesus’ name and draw close to Him (and each other) through word and sacrament, we experience a foretaste of the kingdom of God. Together, we catch a glimpse of His overwhelming glory. It’s in the divine service that we see God most clearly, and that we experience His presence and love most directly.
Just as the divine service is the focal point of the life in the congregation, Holy Communion is the focal point of the divine service.
The Catechism states that in Holy Communion, the reality of God and His devotion to mankind can be directly experienced. It’s in these holy moments that we experience His presence and love most personally, as Holy Communion brings us into the most intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ that we can have on this earth.
The music that is rendered during—and surrounding—Holy Communion should reflect the holiness of these moments, and magnify the significance of our communion with Christ.
To this end, here are several guiding thoughts for our music leaders and music/worship teams:
- There should be no feeling of performance or production when it comes to the music for these moments (or for any moments during a divine service). Rather, the music should be presented in a humble manner, with Jesus as the focus. It is not appropriate for the music during Holy Communion to be played or sung dramatically, for instance. The humility that Christ displayed by giving His life for us on the cross should be reflected in the music sung and played during these holy moments.
- It’s important that distractions be minimized. There should be minimal movement and conversations between music and worship team members during these moments. Careful thought should be given to logistics in advance to avoid having to make adjustments in the moment.
- Holy Communion has both a meditative/introspective aspect to it (we reflect on our sins and remember Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf), as well as a praise/thanksgiving aspect (we praise the Lord for His sacrifice, and for the opportunity to commune with Him). To highlight the meditative/introspective aspect, one option would be to consider having just the piano or organ play during the dispensation of the sacrament. This could then lead into a vocal or instrumental solo, or the congregation can sing a hymn that’s more thanksgiving-filled and celebratory once all (or most) have received Holy Communion.
- Another suggestion for music during Holy Communion that allows for a seamless flow would be to start with a couple verses of an instrumental or solo version of a song that the congregation can then join in singing (maybe the 3rd and 4th verses of the hymn, for instance, or just the chorus, especially if it's a more modern song). The lyrics could be displayed on screens, if available. You’ll notice that some hymn lyrics even build from more contemplative thoughts to praising thoughts—for instance, Behold the Lamb by Keith & Kristyn Getty, or A Wonderful Saviour is Jesus (363 H).
- To help aid in the seamless flow of music during Holy Communion, accompanists should always be looking ahead and have their pages marked for quick reference and flipping. Preludes and postludes should also be included for each song, even if short. Anything that feels “abrupt” should be avoided, as Holy Communion must never feel rushed.
- Given the fact that the repentance hymn follows the preparation for Holy Communion, and given the holiness of these moments that lead the congregation to communion with the Lord, anything that disrupts the flow or serves to distract should be avoided. If the congregation sings the repentance hymn, the worship leader should refrain from coming to the front and announcing it. The minister can either briefly announce it as a part of their communion preparation, or, if screens are used, an instruction can be included on the screen for the congregation to sing. If a soloist, small ensemble, or the choir sings the repentance hymn, this should happen organically, noting that advance communication with the minister will be important here.
- Just because a song focuses on communion and/or the forgiveness of sins doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily appropriate as a repentance hymn. The repentance hymn should be one that leads the congregation into prayerful and repentant reflection on their sins. These hymns should be meditative, introspective, and Christ-centric.
- Examples of appropriate repentance hymns:
- I Surrender All; With Contrite Heart I Come to Thee; Just As I Am; I Hear Thy Welcome Voice; How deep the Father’s love; Lord Have Mercy (For What We Have Done); Lord, I Need You
- Examples of appropriate communion hymns (during or after):
- Redeemed, I Am Blessed in Jesus; Beautiful, Glorious Moment; I Praise God’s Love in Adoration; Wonderful Grace of Jesus; Blessed Assurance; The Lord Is My Salvation; His Mercy Is More; Behold the Lamb (Communion Hymn)
- Regarding the songs surrounding communion for the departed, it’s important to note that these should be focused on communion with Christ rather than on eternity. Consider that the invisible congregation is communing with Christ now, just as the visible congregation communed with Him moments before. This beautiful understanding should be reflected through the music selected, with songs focused on eternity being reserved more for services for the departed. The selections before and after Holy Communion for the Departed should be no more than 90 seconds long.
Combined with prayerfully selected music, the guidelines and practices above will help create a peaceful and holy environment during Holy Communion and bring us into closer communion with Christ. Until we are forever with the Lord, may we value more and more the precious moments we spend with Him and with each other in Holy Communion, and do everything we can to eliminate anything that would distract or deter us from true fellowship with Him.