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Table Manners at the Lord's Altar
In the past several years, it has become common for children to come forward with their parents to the Altar rail while their parents receive the Lord’s Body and Blood. This is a practice that is neither commanded nor forbidden in the Scriptures, and we are free to adopt this practice as a congregation. Since this has been the common practice at our congregation for some time, we see no compelling reason to discontinue its use.
It is appropriate, however, that we as a congregation use this as an opportunity to teach both children and their parents about the blessings received at the Lord’s Altar, and how both children and parents should behave while kneeling at the Lord’s Altar. As parents we have an obligation to our children to teach them the faith, and this includes teaching them how to receive God’s blessings in His House. Since this is God’s house, He is the host at His Meal, and we follow His practice.
With that in mind, we offer the following primer (questions and answers) regarding how children should behave during the Lord’s Supper.
It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink. (Small Catechism)
Only confirmed members in good standing of this congregation, or a sister congregation of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod may receive Christ’s Body and Blood in the Sacrament at this place.
27Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. 28Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself (1 Cor. 11:27-29 ESV).
If someone receives Christ’s Body and Blood unworthily, it is to their great spiritual harm. We take this seriously, because God’s Word takes this seriously.
Because this is Christ’s true Body and Blood given and shed for the forgiveness of sins, we should treat the host (bread) and the cup (either individual cups or the chalice) with the greatest of reverence. They are not to be handled carelessly or treated as if it is simply a little cup or bread.
Yes. Children are welcome to come with their parents to the Altar. Parents, however, should not feel pressured to bring their children up to the Altar. This is not a command from God; you are free to bring them up or not bring them up.
If the child is an infant, they can be held in the arms. If they are old enough to stand on their own, they may kneel at the Altar. They should not handle or touch the communion elements in any way. When the pastor blesses them, they may say “Amen” and/or cross themselves if they so desire.
No. The entire congregation receives God’s blessing at the end of the Divine Service in the benediction (“The Lord bless you and keep you…”). There is no particular spiritual blessing given to children at the blessing during the Lord’s Supper. Typically, the words given are a reminder of Holy Baptism.
There is no specific age requirement for the blessing at the Altar, since children are neither required to come forward, nor do they receive any particular benefit from it. In order to keep the service from becoming too long, however, we suggest that only those children come forward for the blessing that are uncomfortable sitting by themselves while their parents come forward for Communion. This is only a suggestion, however. Any unconfirmed child may come to the Altar for the blessing. If they are over 3rd grade, it would be helpful to the pastor and the elder if they would cross their arms over their chest in an “X”, so that the pastor and elder may see that they are not receiving Communion.
It isn’t a wafer only - but the Body of Christ in, with and under the bread. Your child should wait until he is confirmed and can confess the faith before being communed - and communed by his pastor.
If you are holding or taking care of a child, we recommend that you give the cup to your spouse or to someone next to you, but not to your child.
If you are unable to prevent your child from taking the individual cup, or handling it in any way, we strongly recommend that you use the chalice (common cup). This way there is nothing for them to be tempted to take.
Furthermore, the chalice is the historic Christian way of receiving Christ’s Blood, and we recommend its use for everyone.
What we believe determines how we act and what we do in church. If we believe that this is truly God’s house, and that He is giving us His Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins, then it behooves us to treat the time and the place and the elements as reverently as possible. If we treat this in a casual or flippant manner, we demonstrate to our children and the world that we don’t care about God’s gifts, and risk great harm to our children and ourselves.
We recognize that this takes some teaching on the part of parents. Talk to your children about this ahead of time. Be patient but firm. This is a tremendous opportunity for parents to teach their children about the wonderful gift of the forgiveness of sins that Christ gives to us in His Holy Supper. But it is His Gift: He is the one who determines when and how we receive His Gifts.
Finally, it is important also to remember that every week, Christ our Lord goes to the most unholy and profane place of all: the mouths of sinners. Children and adults make mistakes. We come to Christ’s Altar to receive His forgiveness. In all things, let love and patience prevail.
This page was created on 12/30/2006 and last edited on: 01/16/2007