service of the sacrament (part 3)

Next follows the Lord’s Prayer. It is placed before the Consecration for two reasons. First, not only was it taught by Jesus, but it is the culminating prayer of thanksgiving i.e. Eucharist. Second, in this prayer we ask, “Give us today our daily bread.” That petition for bread is a prayer for the bread of the altar. We are praying to receive from God the Lord’s Supper. Which, He grants us.

The Consecration is the Words of Institution spoken over the bread and wine. This Consecration is a continuation of Maundy Thursday. It is Jesus, Who turns the bread and wine into His body and blood. 

In the Holy Supper, we have earthly and heavenly elements. Bread and Christ’s Body. Wine and Christ’s Blood. It is a mystery and a supernatural miracle that takes place. When you point at the bread and say that is the body of Christ. It’s true. When you point at the wine and say that is the blood of Christ. It’s true. Christ’s body and blood are supernaturally present in, with, and under the bread and wine. 

Unlike Rome, we do not seek to explain this mystery with Greek Philosophy (Transubstantiation). Unlike our Protestant neighbors, we do not deny this mystery because our reason can’t understand it. We Lutherans accept God can do whatever He wants. Even when we don’t understand how He does it. Our reason bows before the Word of God and remains silent.