Taken by Communion: How the Lord’s Supper Nourishes the Soul

by Dan Schmidt

Most studies of the Lord's Supper ask, "What happens when people take communion?" Dan Schmidt challenges us to change our thinking. "Communion is not about taking. . . . Jesus is the Lord, who gives. In his hands, the Supper becomes a parable of grace, where God's good gifts flow unchecked. We're meant to recline at this spot and linger in the nourishing presence of the Lord. We come not as takers of but as those about to be taken by communion." Drawing from 1 Corinthians 11, Schmidt gives us practical and devotional reflection on communion. He paints a compelling picture of the transformation God calls for as the elements of communion bring us near to the one who wants to be a vital part of our daily lives. This is the story of a God who wants his people to be consumed by him alone. What is needed in worship, says Schmidt, is not so much to invoke God's presence as to pray for awareness that he is already among us. This thoughtful and unique approach to communion is a fine resource for worship leaders.

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Spook Sulek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dude. This one made me look at old, familiar scriptures in new ways, challenged me, and brought deeper meaning to even the most simple part of the act of communion. Since I've been laying the table I thought I'd look more closely at the source of and meaning behind the ritual, and this book (written in the vernacular) is both accessible, entertaining and informative. Normally I'd quibble about formatting; all the footnotes are at the end, and I prefer them to be at the bottom of the page, but in this book they are worth having two bookmarks and constantly flipping to the back of the book for the sources and further insight. I wish more libraries had this book on the shelf; I had to join a new library and ILL it.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's purpose is to mediate "overly mystic or overly familiar" experiences of communion. He does this well. Using the communion passage in I Corinthians, he strikingly goes through each phrase with a dedicated chapter. The result is a poetic meaningful elaboration of Grace given by Jesus and to be taken by the one receiving. Soul touching and memorable.