Communion service script and preparation
A communion service script based on 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, with prayers, preparation notes, printable words and slides for your church.
Short answer
A communion service includes the church's invitation to the table, Scripture, thanksgiving, the bread and the cup. This original script follows 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and leaves admission to the church's stated practice.
On this page
A communion service includes the church’s invitation to the table, Scripture, thanksgiving, the bread and the cup. This original script follows 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and leaves admission to the church’s stated practice.
Print and slides
Download the ProPresenter text file for text import. Congregational words use two phrase lines per slide. Instructions for the leader stay in the PDF.
State who is invited
Churches differ on admission to communion, the elements and the minister’s words. Have the pastor approve the invitation before printing it. Explain your church’s practice to guests in a sentence they can understand.
Prepare the elements
Confirm who buys, prepares and serves the bread and cup. Ask about allergies and access needs without identifying anyone publicly. Decide how a seated worshipper receives the elements, and tell the servers where that person is sitting with their permission.
Read the whole passage during preparation
Paul’s account in 1 Corinthians 11 includes the words of institution and instructions about the church’s conduct. The leader should read the surrounding passage before choosing the verses for the service. Follow the church’s confession when explaining Christ’s presence and the meaning of the meal.
Give the servers clear cues
Agree on whether the congregation receives together or as served. Put the pauses in the leader’s copy and tell the musicians when to stop. A quiet room can wait while servers reach the last row. Finish the thanksgiving before moving to the closing hymn.
Invitation
The minister states who is invited according to the church's doctrine and membership practice. Give guests the information before the elements move.
LeaderWe come to remember the death of Jesus Christ and proclaim our hope in him. Let us examine ourselves and give thanks for his mercy.
Scripture and prayer
Read the passage below, or use your church's approved Bible translation and communion practice.
23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, 24 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.” 25 In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (BSB)
Prayer Lord Jesus, we thank you for giving yourself for us. Forgive our sins and help us receive this meal with faith and love. Amen.
The bread
Distribute the bread. Read the words below and follow your church's approved practice for receiving it together or as served.
24 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.”
1 Corinthians 11:24 (BSB)
The cup
Distribute the cup. Read the passage below and follow your church's approved practice for receiving the cup.
25 In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
1 Corinthians 11:25-26 (BSB)
Prayer Father, keep us faithful to Christ and help us love one another. We give you thanks through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Prepare the service
Confirm who is invited and whether the congregation receives each element together or as served. Give the servers their routes and tell them where to find gluten-free bread.
Sources and permission
Church Posting wrote these prayers and responses, which churches may copy and adapt freely.
Sources
- Baptist Faith and Message 2000, Southern Baptist Convention. Read October 23, 2026.
- 1 Corinthians 11, Berean Standard Bible. Read October 23, 2026.
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