Here are five key things that parents can do to help their child prepare to receive the Holy Communion for the first time.
1. Participate in the Divine Service weekly.
The most powerful way we disciple our children is through example. By our example we demonstrate and teach our children what our faith means to us, who God is, and how we have a relationship with Him. The number one determinative factor in children staying in the faith is whether it was genuinely lived out in their parents lives. By faithfully attending and participating in the Divine Service we are discipling our children in how beautiful, important and special it is to receive Jesus’ body and blood in the Eucharist.
2. Talk about the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist with your child.
The real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is our belief that Jesus Christ is truly and fully present in the bread and wine. The Eucharist is far more than just a symbol or a sign, but Jesus making himself truly present for us. We cannot fully understand how this happens but we believe the words of Scripture. Take opportunity before and after church to joyfully talk with your children about the real presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper. Rather than using the language of “getting some bread and wine” instead talk about “receiving the precious body and precious blood.” Children have an affinity for the sacred. Though they may lack the theological language to articulate it, they sense the “mystery of Christ” in the celebration of the Eucharist. A wonderful way to help them grow in their understanding is by asking them questions about Holy Communion: In what way is Christ present in Holy Communion? Why do we open our hands to receive Christ? Why might we cross ourselves with the sign of the cross after receiving? Why do you want to receive Holy Communion?
3. Model reverence and focus on the sacrament during the liturgy of Holy Communion.
Receiving our Savior in the Eucharist is the high point of the Divine Service. It should be a time we are focused on worshipping Jesus and expressing our thankfulness to God our Father. It should be marked with a joyful reverence. Joyful in that we receive the precious gift of forgiveness and strengthening, reverent in that this is the same one angels cover their face and feet before crying out “Holy, Holy, Holy,” and whom prophets fall on their face before. We should not act casually but with deep reverence. During this time we make Jesus and His once and for all sacrifice on your behalf the focus of our attention.
4. Receive Communion with joyful reverence
Both as a model for your children and a good practice is to show reverence not only during the liturgy but also as you come up to receive the body and blood. We come forward in an orderly manner, not chatting with those around us but focused on what the miracle and gift of what is taking place. We step forward with hands open to receive Christ, participate, and then if you like cross ourself with the sign of the cross to remind yourself that you are marked and redeem by Christ himself. Walk back to your seat where you can continue in worship through song or in silent prayer.
5. Praise and thank God for the great gift of Communion.
Give thanks got God in your heart, in prayer, and verbally before your children for being given the gift of this holy and sacred mystery.