Agape Dinner & Maundy Thursday Service

 

AgapeÃÅ for Maundy Thursday

A meatless meal is to be preferred. The setting should be austere and the foods sparse and simple. Appropriate foods include soup, cheese, olives, dried fruit, bread, and wine.

If there are several persons present, one will preside.

+ The Blessings +

At the time appointed, all gather around the table, standing as able.

After a time of silence, the presider offers the following blessings.

Over Wine

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe. You create the fruit of the vine; and you refresh us with the cup of salvation in the Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. May the time come quickly when we can share that cup again, even as you are with us now in our very thirst for you. Glory to you for ever and ever. Amen.

Over Bread

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe. You bring forth bread from the earth; and you have fed us on our way with the bread of life in the Body of your Son Jesus Christ. Let us be fed again soon with that bread of life. And as grain scattered upon the earth is gathered into one loaf, so gather your Church in every place into the kingdom of your Son. To you be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.

Over the Other Foods

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe. You have blessed the earth to bring forth food to satisfy our hunger. Let this food strengthen us in the fast that is before us, that following our Savior in the way of the cross, we may come to the joy of his resurrection. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, now and for ever. Amen.

+ The Meal +

The meal is now eaten. If several are gathered, they first serve one another, then dine.

+ The Word and the Prayers +

At the end of the meal, the seventeenth chapter of the gospel of John is read.

A simple hymn can be sung.

The following psalm is then said. If there is more than one voice, it is said in unison.

Psalm 63:1-8

1 O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you;

my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you,

as in a barren and dry land where there is no water.

2 Therefore I have gazed upon you in your holy place;

that I might behold your power and your glory.

3 For your loving-kindness is better than life itself;

my lips shall give you praise.

4 So will I bless you as long as I live

and lift up my hands in your Name.

5 My soul is content, as with marrow and fatness,

and my mouth praises you with joyful lips.

6 When I remember you upon my bed,

and meditate on you in the night watches.

7 For you have been my helper,

and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.

8 My soul clings to you,

your right hand holds me fast.

[The Lord be with you

And also with you

Let us pray]

O God of the crucified and risen One, from whom no trial or trouble can separate us:

you feed us with your Word and soothe us with your Spirit, closer to us than breath itself.

Make us glad this night for the life of your servant Jesus;

Make us servants of all for the sake of Jesus;

who for our sake gave his life for the salvation of all.

In the Name of Jesus, your Son, our Lord.

Amen.