Most beloved Jesus! I thank Thee with all my heart, in the council of the
pious and congregation of the Lord, that Thou, before Thy entrance into
death, hast been so mindful of us, Thy christian people, and didst
prepare such a glorious feast for our souls. I praise Thee, O most
merciful Saviour! with all my powers and abilities, that Thou didst not
only present Thyself as an offering, that Thou wast sacrificed upon the
cross for my sins and those of the whole world, but also doest feed us
poor creatures in Thy Holy Supper with Thy body and blood, through which
Thou doest appropriate unto us all Thy purchased gifts of grace and
benefits. Lord! the bread we break is indeed the communion of Thy body
that died for us upon the cross, and the cup we drink at the holy altar,
is the communion of the most precious blood, which Thou in all Thy
painful sufferings hast shed for us. In what respects indeed are we
worthy that Thou doest manifest such grace unto us? Who are we that Thou
doest draw so nigh unto us and unite with us in such a manner as to be
and dwell within us, and also we, as members of Thy body, shall remain
with Thee forever! How can we compensate Thee that Thou doest so heartily
receive our souls unto Thyself and freest them from all transgression and
threatening condemnation; on the other hand doest bestow upon them Thy
perfect obedience, merit and righteousness, yea, doest give Thy own Self
as a pledge for their salvation! Most beloved Jesus! as Thou hast
instituted by Thy Holy Supper a memorial of Thy wonderful gifts of grace,
so it shall be a lasting memorial in my heart of Thy love and mercy. As
oft as I shall eat of this bread and drink of this cup, will I proclaim
Thy death and with a thankful heart praise what Thou hast done for us. O
help! my Saviour and Redeemer, that I may be confirmed more and more in
my faith by this blessed food and glorious cup, that I be forever united
with Thee and strengthened to lead a holy life upon earth and be
positively assured of the eternal life of joy in heaven, for the sake of
Thy holy merit. Amen.