THE HOLY COMMUNION: FIRST ORDER - A Contemporary Version of the 1552 Service of Holy Communion

The Holy Communion, First Order, is a contemporary version of the 1552 service of Holy Communion. The 1552 service represents Archbishop Thomas Cranmer’s mature thinking on the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and embodies the biblical and Reformation doctrine of justification by grace alone in Christ alone. It was first used during the reign of Henry VI, suppressed by his Roman Catholic older sister Mary upon his death, and revived upon the ascension of his Protestant older sister Elizabeth I to the English throne. It would be the Holy Communion service used during the reigns of James I and Charles I. The only changes to the service were that the 1549 Words of Distribution were added to the 1552 Words of Distribution in 1559 and the Declaration on Kneeling was omitted.  

The 1662 service of Holy Communion is substantially the 1552 service with addition of the manual acts to the Prayer of Consecration, the 1559 Words of Distribution, and an Amen after the Words of Institution. The Restoration bishops also restored the Declaration on Kneeling. It is the reformed 1552 Prayer Book in its 1662 edition that forms along with the Articles of Religion of 1571 and the Ordinal of 1661 the Anglican Church’s authoritative standard of doctrine and worship, second only to the Bible.

This contemporary version of the 1552 service of Holy Communion incorporates a number of features introduced in later rites. “Minister” is used throughout the entire service. The initial Lord’s Prayer, originally a private devotion of the priest, has been dropped. An optional Sentence of Scripture may be said or sung at the beginning of the service. The congregation joins the minister in saying the Collect for Purity. Our Lord’s Summary of the Law may be substituted for the Ten Commandments. Both the Ten Commandments and the Summary of the Law may be omitted.

Three Bible readings may be read. The Gloria Tibi may be said before the reading from the Gospel.  An optional congregation response may be used after each reading. A pause for silent reflection may be observed after each reading. A psalm, a psalm portion, or a canticle may be sung or said after the first reading. Metrical versions of the psalms and canticles may be used. If three Bible readings are read, the reading from the Gospel may be introduced with an alleluia or a suitable hymn or song. The Sermon may be preached before or after the creed. The Apostles’ Creed may be substituted for the Nicene Creed. On weekdays the creed may be omitted. A hymn or song may be sung after the Sermon.

Alternative forms for the Prayers may be used and may be concluded with the Lord’s Prayer. An optional prayer has been provided for use when the collection is received and the form for the Prayers printed in the service is not used.

The Exhortations in the 1552 service have been replaced with two shorter optional Exhortations.  

The selection of special prefaces has been expanded. An alternative Sanctus may be used. The Prayer of Humble Access has been revised to eliminate any suggestion that the bread cleanses the body and the wine the soul. An alternative Prayer of Humble Access has been provided. The congregation may join the minister in saying the Prayer of Humble Access. The exordium “all glory to you” has been added to the Post-Sanctus.

The 1559 Words of Distribution may be substituted for the 1552 Words of Distribution and an optional Amen may be said after the Words of Distribution.

Other versions of the Gloria in Excelsis may be used. A suitable hymn of praise may be substituted for the Gloria in Excelsis. Other suitable Blessings may be substituted for the parting Blessing printed in the service

This service of Holy Communion is in part inspired by the Holy Communion, First Order, in the Anglican Church of Australia’s An Australian Prayer Book (1978), the Lord’s Supper, Form 1, in the Anglican Diocese of Sydney’s Common Prayer: Resources for Gospel-Shaped Gatherings (2012), and the Anglican Network in Canada’s 1552 Order of Holy Communion in Modern English (2015)

THE HOLY COMMUNION
FIRST ORDER

(a contemporary version of the 1552 service of Holy Communion)

GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

The minister may greet the people. A hymn or song may be sung.

A Sentence of Scripture appropriate to the day may be read.

This Prayer of Preparation is said.

Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open,

 all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden,

cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

that we may perfectly love you,

and worthily magnify your holy name,

 through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The minister may read a form of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) or our Lord’s Summary of the Law (Matthew 22:37–40).

Hear the commandments which God gave his people Israel.

I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery; you shall have no other gods besides me.

Do not make any idol for yourself; you shall not bow down to them or serve them.

Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God.

Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days shall you labour

and do all you have to do, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.

Honor your father and your mother.

Do not murder.

Do not commit adultery.

Do not steal.

Do not give false testimony against your neighbour.

Do not covet anything that is your neighbor’s.

After each commandment, the people may say

Lord, have mercy on us and incline our hearts to keep this law.

After the last commandment, or after the commandments have been read together, the people may say

Lord, have mercy on us, and write your commandments in our hearts by your Holy Spirit.

or

Jesus said: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength’. This is the first and greatest commandment.

The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Lord have mercy on us, and write your commandments in our hearts by your Holy Spirit

The Collect of the Day

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

Two or three Bible readings are read, one from the Old Testament and one or two from the New Testament. A reading from the Gospel is always included. A brief period of silence for reflection may follow each reading.

After each reading the reader may say

Hear the word of the Lord,

thanks be to God.

After the first reading a psalm, a portion of a psalm, or a canticle may be sung or said, or a hymn or song may be sung. Metrical versions of the psalms and canticles may be used here and elsewhere in the service.

If three readings are read, the reading from Gospel may be introduced with an alleluia or a suitable hymn or song.

All stand for the Gospel reading.

The reader may say

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to…[chapter…verse…]

Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ.

After the Gospel, the reader says

This is the Gospel of the Lord,

or

[For] the Gospel of the Lord,

praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

The Sermon is preached here or after the creed.

On Sundays the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed is said or sung, all standing. The creed may be omitted on weekdays.

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one being with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven:

he was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary

and became truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge

the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son

is worshipped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

or

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father,

from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Sermon is preached here if it has not been preached earlier.

A hymn or song may follow.

THE OFFERTORY

One or more Sentence of Scripture such as Matthew 5:16; 6:19-20; 7:21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Galatians 6:6, 10; Hebrews 13:16; 1 John 3:17 may be read, and a collection may be taken. As the collection is taken, a hymn or song may be sung. 

THE PRAYERS

The minister or one or more members of the congregation may pray, using this form or a suitable alternative.

Let us pray for all people, and for Christ’s church throughout the world.

Almighty and eternal God through the apostle Paul you teach us to pray and to give thanks for all people.

In your mercy [accept our gifts and] receive our prayers.

[Lord in your mercy,

hear our prayer.]

Set the nations on the path of righteousness and peace. Lead their rulers to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare of all.

[Lord in your mercy,

hear our prayer.]

We pray for the leaders of our nation (especially …), and for all who exercise authority in this land. Enable them to uphold justice, restrain wickedness and promote integrity and truth.

[Lord in your mercy,

hear our prayer.]

Comfort and sustain, merciful Lord, everyone in this fleeting life who is in sorrow, need, sickness, or any other distress (especially …).

[Lord in your mercy,

hear our prayer.]

Pour out your Spirit on your church, so that all who acknowledge your holy name may agree in the truth of your word, and live in unity and godly love.

[Lord in your mercy,

hear our prayer.]

Give grace to all bishops and other ministers (especially …), to set forth your life-giving word by their example and teaching and rightly administer your holy sacraments.

[Lord in your mercy,

hear our prayer.]

Give grace to your people gathered here, to receive your word with humble and obedient hearts and serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives.

[Lord in your mercy,

hear our prayer.]

We praise you for all who have died in the faith of Christ (especially …). Help us to follow their good examples, that with them we may inherit your heavenly kingdom.

[Lord in your mercy,

hear our prayer.]

Hear us, Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only mediator and advocate. Amen.

If an alternative form of the Prayers is used, the following may be said at the end of the Prayers when appropriate.

Merciful Father,

accept these our prayers

for the sake of your Son,

our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

or other suitable words

or

Accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray:

Our Father…

If the Lord’s Prayer is used at this point in the service, it is not used after the Communion.

THE PREPARATION FOR THE LORD’S SUPPER

The minister may read one of the following exhortations.

Beloved in the Lord, in coming to the holy communion of the body and blood of our Savior Christ, consider how Saint Paul urges us to examine ourselves, before we presume to eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. For the benefit is great, if with a truly repentant heart and a lively faith we receive that holy sacrament. We then spiritually eat the flesh of Christ, and drink his blood; we dwell in Christ, and Christ in us; we are one with Christ, and Christ with us. Yet also the danger is great, if we receive the sacrament unworthily. Judge yourselves truly, brothers and sisters, that you will not be judged by the Lord; repent truly for your past sins; have a lively and steadfast faith in Christ our Savior; amend your lives, and be in perfect love with all people; so you will be worthy partakers of these holy mysteries.

And above all things you must give most humble and heartfelt thanks to God for the redemption of the world by the death and passion of our Savior Christ, both truly God and truly man. He humbled himself, even to the death on the cross, for us unhappy sinners, who were in darkness and the shadow of death; that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life.

or

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we who come to receive the holy communion of the body and blood of our Saviour Christ can come only because of his great love for us. For, although we are completely undeserving of his love, yet in order to raise us from the darkness of death to everlasting life as God’s sons and daughters, our Saviour Christ humbled himself to share our life and to die for us on the cross. In remembrance of his death, and as a pledge of his love, Jesus instituted this holy sacrament, which we are now to share.

But those who would eat the bread and drink the cup of the Lord must examine themselves, and amend their lives. They must come with a repentant heart and steadfast faith. Above all, they must give thanks to God for his love towards us in Christ Jesus.

And then the minister says

You then who truly repent of your sins, and are reconciled with others, intending to lead a new life of joyful obedience to God, draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to strengthen and sustain you. But first, let us make a humble confession of our sins to Almighty God.

A pause for self-examination may follow. All then say the following confession together.

Almighty God,

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

you made all things,

and you call everyone to account.

With shame we confess

the sins we have committed against you,

in thought, word and deed.

We rightly deserve your condemnation.

We turn from our sins

and are truly sorry for them;

they are a burden we cannot bear.

Have mercy on us, most merciful Father.

For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,

forgive us all that is past.

Enable us to serve and please you in newness of life,

to your honor and glory,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The minister stands and says this declaration of God’s forgiveness.

Almighty God our heavenly Father,

who has promised to forgive the sins of all who turn to him with repentance and faith, have mercy on you;

pardon and deliver you from all your sins,

strengthen you to do his will,

and keep you in eternal life,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The minister says the following words of assurance.

Hear these words of assurance for those who truly turn to Christ.

Jesus said: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’. Matthew 11:28

‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.’ John 3:16

The apostle Paul said: ‘Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’. 1 Timothy 1:15

The apostle John said: ‘If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.’ 1 John 2:1–2

THE GREETING OF THE PEACE

All stand, and the minister may exchange the Greeting of the Peace with the people, saying

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.

All may exchange the greeting, saying, for example, “Peace be with you,” which they may accompany with a handclasp or a similar action.

A hymn or song may be sung.

If the table has not been prepared earlier, it is prepared here.

THE LORD’S SUPPER

The minister says

Lift up your hearts

People We lift them to the Lord.

Minister Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Minister  It is indeed right, and our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, holy Father, heavenly King, almighty and eternal God, through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord..

On certain occasions a special preface (see below) is said here

Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we proclaim your great and glorious name, for ever praising you and saying:

The minister and people say

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, 
heaven and earth are full of your glory. 
Glory to you, O Lord most high.

or

Holy,holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, 
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.

Advent

You sent your Son to redeem us from sin and death and to make us inheritors of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may with joy behold his appearing, and in confidence may stand before him.

Christmas; the Presentation of Christ in the Temple; Annunciation

You gave your only Son to be born for us. By the work of the Holy Spirit he was made true man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother. He was without sin, to make us free from all sin.

Epiphany

In coming to dwell among us as man, your Son revealed the radiance of your glory and brought us out of darkness into your own marvelous light. 

Lent

He was in every way tempted as we are; yet remained sinless. By his grace we are able to overcome our sinful desires and to live not for ourselves, but for our Lord who died for us and rose from the dead.

Passiontide; Holy Week

Though he is one with you and the Holy Spirit, he humbled himself and was obedient, even to death on a cross, that we might have life through him.

Eastertide

But chiefly we praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son.  He is the true Passover lamb who was offered for us and has taken away the sin of the world.  By his death he has destroyed death; by his rising to life again he has restored to us eternal life.

Ascensiontide

After his glorious resurrection, he revealed himself to all his apostles.  In their sight, he ascended into heaven to prepare a place for us, so that we might also ascend to where he is and reign with him in glory.

Pentecost (or Whitsun)

By the sure promise of your Son the Holy Spirit came down from heaven upon the apostles with the sound of a mighty wind and in tongues of fire. The Holy Spirit came to teach them and to lead them into all truth. He enabled them to speak other languages and gave them continuing boldness to preach fervently the gospel to all nations.  By that gospel we have been brought out of darkness and error into the light and into true knowledge of you and of your Son Jesus Christ.

or 

When he had ascended into heaven and was enthroned at your right hand, he poured out the promised Holy Spirit on his chosen people. At this whole earth greatly rejoices, praising you with many tongues.

Trinity Sunday

You are one God, one Lord, not one person but three persons in one substance. What we believe of the glory of the Father, we believe also of the glory of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, without any difference or inequality.

Other occasions

He is the true high priest who has cleansed us from sin and made us a royal priesthood called to serve you for ever.

After each of these prefaces the minister continues with the words “Therefore, with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven, etc.”

The minister and people together or the minister alone says this prayer

We do not presume

to come to your table, merciful Lord,

trusting in our own righteousness,

but in your many and great mercies.

We are not worthy

so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table.

But you are the same Lord

whose nature is always to have mercy.

Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord,

so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ,

and to drink his blood,

that we may evermore dwell in him,

and he in us. Amen.

or

We do not presume

to come to your table, merciful Lord,

trusting in our own righteousness,

but in your boundless goodness and mercy.

We are not even worthy

to eat the crumbs under your table.

But you are the same Lord, always rich in mercy.

Enable us by faith to eat

 the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ,

and to drink his blood,

that we may be cleansed from sin

and forever dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

The minister says

All glory to you, our heavenly Father, for in your love and mercy you gave your only Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our salvation

By this offering of himself once and for all time Jesus made a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world and commanded us to continue a remembrance of his precious death until his coming again.

Hear us, merciful Father, and grant that we who eat and drink these gifts of bread and wine according to our Savior’s command, in remembrance of his suffering and death, may be partakers of his body and blood.

At Jesus’ words of institution are said, the minister breaks the bread and takes hold of the cup before all the people.

On the night he was betrayed, Jesus took bread and, when he had given you thanks, he broke it, then gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me’.

In the same way after the meal, Jesus took the cup and, when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying,

‘Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’

The minister says

Come let us eat and drink in remembrance that Christ died for us, and feed on him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving

The bread is given with these words

Take and eat this, remembering that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith, with thanksgiving.  [Amen]

or

The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving. [Amen]

The cup is given with these words

Drink this, remembering that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful. [Amen]

or

The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful. [Amen]

AFTER COMMUNION

The Lord’s Prayer has not been used earlier, it is used here.

 .

Let us pray.

[As our Savior Christ has taught us, we are confident to say,]

 Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

 Lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours,

now and for ever. Amen.

The minister leads the people in one of these prayers of thanksgiving and dedication

Lord and heavenly Father,

in your loving kindness,

accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.

Grant that by the merits and death of your Son Jesus Christ,

and through faith in his blood, we and your whole church may receive forgiveness of our sins

and all other benefits of his suffering.

With gratitude for all your mercies,

we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Send us out in the power of your Spirit

to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen

or

Father, we thank you

that you continually feed us who have received these holy mysteries

with the spiritual food of the body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.

We thank you for this assurance of your goodness and love;

that we are living members of his body

and heirs of your eternal kingdom.

Help us with your grace to continue

in the holy fellowship of your faithful people

and to do all the good works you have prepared for us to do.

May we shine like lights before the world

to the glory and honor of your name. Amen.

The Gloria in Excelsis is sung or said. Other versions of this canticle may be used, or another suitable hymn of praise.

Glory to God in the highest

and peace to his 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 upon 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.

The minister says this or another suitable blessing

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding,

keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God,

and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

NOTES

1. The minister may greet the people after the opening hymn or song. The optional Sentence of Scripture permitted at the beginning of the service may be read by the minister or sung as an anthem by the choir before the opening hymn or song.

2. A brief period of silence for reflection may be observed before the Collect of the Day and after all have received communion.

3. The recommended position for the Sermon is after the Gospel Reading. A sermon should be normally preached at this service.

4. When the collection is received, if the petition, “accept our gifts,” is omitted from the Prayers or an alternative form of the Prayers is used, the following prayer may be said.

Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power,

the glory, the splendor, and the majesty;

for everything in heaven and earth is yours.

all things come from you

and of your own do we give you.

5. Before the Prayers the minister or a member of the congregation may invite special petitions and thanksgivings from the congregation. Additional petitions may be inserted into the the form for the Prayers.The people should be given an opportunity to offer their own petitions silently or aloud before the versicle and response or before the concluding prayer.
When the form for the Prayers is offered as a single prayer, the congregation may join in the invariable paragraphs of the prayer.

6. The consecrated elements are distributed immediately after the words of institution. During the Communion hymns, songs, and anthems may be sung or instrumental music may be played. 

To receive the elements, the congregation may kneel, stand, or sit. What matters is the attitude of the heart with which a communicant receives the elements, not the posture.

For the significance of kneeling to receive the Lord’s Supper, see the declaration which is printed at the conclusion of the Communion service in The Book of Common Prayer (1662).

7. If the consecrated bread or wine is insufficient for the communion, the minister is to consecrate more, beginning at “on the night he was betrayed” to consecrate the bread; and at “in the same way after the meal…” to consecrate the wine.

8. If any of the consecrated bread and wine remains, the minister and any communicants that he requests to assist him shall reverently consume it immediately after the Blessing.

9. Notices may be given before the service begins, before the collection, before the Prayers, before the final Blessing, or at another appropriate time..

10.The Readings from the Old and New Testament are introduced, “A reading from…, chapter…, beginning at verse…”