The Lord's Supper is observed in many churches as a solemn
ceremony conducted by "official and ordained" members of the
clergy. Such ceremony and restrictions may be helpful for some
people but are not essential.
It was originally celebrated by Jesus and His disciples in a home,
in an informal setting and manner, and you may choose to celebrate it that
way yourself.
This celebration of
what Jesus accomplished for us
was practiced in the early days of the Church by believers meeting in homes, or wherever they could gather. We could call it a
New Covenant Memorial Celebration.
The New Testament gives no detailed instructions or requirements, so we should not be critical of other's methods. However we practice this, we must not allow anything to take our focus off Jesus and
His great sacrifice as we observe this.
It is very sad that Jesus had to suffer so terribly to redeem us and free us from our sins. But that is not to be our focus as we celebrate, but rather: Jesus loved us enough to do this for us, and now the work is finished --
we are delivered and free.
Unworthy or Unworthily?
Much confusion has resulted from misunderstanding the King James Bible translation of 1 Corinthians 11:27, "whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord."
Notice it says "unworthily" which is an adverb and refers to the manner of partaking. This verse has no reference whatsoever to any individuals being "unworthy" to partake. We are all unworthy without Jesus -- that is why we celebrate this: to rejoice that He paid the price to put us
right with God.
The problem addressed in
1 Corinthians 11:20-34
was that they were not walking in love or being considerate of other believers. They were partaking "unworthily" -- in an unworthy manner.
Simple Instructions
If there are other believers with you, you should celebrate with them. If not, you can do this as an individual.
The important thing is our focus on Jesus, not the literal elements of food used, or the special words spoken.
It is good if you have red grape juice because that easily reminds us of Jesus precious blood. If you don't have any, use water or some other liquid.
Use unleavened bread if you have it, if not then use any bread, cracker, or whatever you have.
Keep your attention on the wonderful, finished work of Jesus -- not on the portion of food you are eating. The efficacy is in Jesus, and our relationship of faith in Him
-- not in some "magic" that happens when we eat a cracker and/or sip some grape juice.
I suggest you read the Scripture, (Matthew 26:26-28 or
Luke 22:19-20 or
1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
aloud and partake of the juice and bread in a prayerful, thankful, and happy manner.