Eucharist in Lutheranism

Lutherans believe that the Body and Blood of Christ are "truly and substantially present in, with and under the forms" of consecrated bread and wine (the elements),[4] so that communicants eat and drink both the elements and the true Body and Blood of Christ himself[5] in the Sacrament of the Eucharist whether they are believers or unbelievers.

"[11][12] Lutherans use the term "in, with, and under the forms of consecrated bread and wine" and "sacramental union" to distinguish their understanding of the Eucharist from those of the Reformed and other traditions.

[4] For Lutherans the Eucharist is not considered to be a valid sacrament unless the elements are used according to Christ's mandate and institution (consecration, distribution, and reception).

[4] This was first formulated in the Wittenberg Concord of 1536 in the formula: Nihil habet rationem sacramenti extra usum a Christo institutum ("Nothing has the character of a sacrament apart from the use instituted by Christ").

[13] To remove any hint of doubt or superstition, the reliquiæ traditionally are either consumed, poured into the earth, or reserved (see below).

[citation needed] The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and its congregations practice open communion—meaning that Holy Communion is offered to all those who are baptized.

[17][18] For this reason, often a brief order or corporate rite of confession and absolution is included at the beginning of Lutheran liturgies.

[17][19] Infants and children who have not received the catechetical instruction (or confirmation) may be brought to the Eucharistic distribution by their parents to be blessed by the pastor.

In most American Lutheran churches, an older Latin Rite custom is maintained in which the communicants kneel on cushions at the altar rail.

The consecrated elements are treated with much respect and in many areas are reserved as in Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican practice.

[27] On this feast day the consecrated host is displayed on an altar in a monstrance and, in some churches, the rites of the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and other forms of adoration are celebrated.

[28] The Lutheran worship liturgy is called the "Mass", "Divine Service", "Holy Communion", or "the Eucharist."

Below is an example: It is truly good, right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting, who in the multitude of your saints did surround us with so great a cloud of witnesses that we, rejoicing in their fellowship, may run with patience the race that is set before us and, together with them, may receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and saying:This is followed by the Sanctus, which is sung by the congregation.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples and said, 'Take; eat; this is my body, given for you.

Remembering, therefore, his salutary command, his life-giving Passion and death, his glorious resurrection and ascension, and his promise to come again, we give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, not as we ought, but as we are able; and we implore you mercifully to accept our praise and thanksgiving, and, with your Word and Holy Spirit, to bless us, your servants, and these your own gifts of bread and wine; that we and all who share in the + body and blood of your Son may be filled with heavenly peace and joy, and receiving the forgiveness of sin, may be + sanctified in soul and body, and have our portion will all your saints.

Pastor: O Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, in giving us Your body and blood to eat and to drink, You lead us to remember and confess Your holy cross and passion, Your blessed death, Your rest in the tomb, Your resurrection from the dead, Your ascension into heaven, and the promise of Your coming again.The Lord's Prayer Pastor: Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: People: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Amen.Finally the Benedicamus Domino and benediction are spoken or chanted by the pastor and congregation with the optional Sign of the Cross being made at the end.

Some of these hymns, such as I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table,[29] Thy Table I Approach,[29] and Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele (an English language translation of which is Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness[31]), follow a Eucharist theme throughout, whilst others such as Wide Open Stand the Gates[29] are sung in preparation or during distribution of the sanctified elements.