Prepare the elements ahead of time. Break up pieces of cracker or soft bread on a small plate or tray, or pass around a loaf of bread for group members to tear off a piece. Have the elements prepared beforehand, and then simply bring them into the room or to the table when you are ready.
1. Connect the Meaning to Your Group Experience
Focusing on your own experience, say something brief about God’s love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, commitment, tenderheartedness, or faithfulness. You’ll also want to connect your words with the personal stories of the group. For example, “These past few weeks I’ve experienced God’s mercy in the way he untangled the situation with my son. And I’ve seen God show mercy to others of us here too, especially to Jean and Roger.” You can also write down ahead of time what you want to say.
2. Read a Scripture Passage
My favourite passage to read is 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, but you could also use Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20, 1 Corinthians 10:16-21, or 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.
3. Pass the Bread
As you pass the bread, you can further set the tone by asking group members to reflect silently, singing a simple praise song, or playing worship music in the background.
4. Eat the Bread Together
When everyone has received the bread, remind them that it represents Jesus’ body that was broken on their behalf. Simply state, “Jesus said, ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’ Let us eat together,” inviting group members to eat.
5. Pass the Juice
Pass around a tray with small cups of juice, serve people individually, or have group members walk to a central table and pick up a cup. Consider singing a simple praise song or playing worship music in the background for this step as well.
6. Drink the Juice Together
When everyone has been served, remind them that the cup represents Jesus’ blood that was shed for them. Simply state, “The cup of the new covenant is Jesus Christ’s blood that was shed for you. Jesus said, ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’ Let us drink together.”
7. Conclude in Worship or Prayer
When finished, close by singing a simple song, listening to a praise song, or having a time of prayer in thanks to God.
Write out your prayers
Writing out prayers can help group members think more specifically about their prayers. It also gives them time to think and makes it easier to share their requests when they’re reading what they’ve written.
Ask small group members to write out a prayer request for their upcoming week for example. When everyone’s had a chance to write down their request, they can take turns sharing them and have someone pray for their requests. Another way of doing this is to simply have people pray the request they’ve written.
Use Objects and Props
Place several ‘random’ objects in the centre of the room. These could include for example, a flashlight, a compass, a toy, a rubber band, etc.
Ask small group members to select one item that represents how they’re doing. Have each person share about their object and ask someone else to pray for them.
Go for a Prayer Walk
Go for a walk in your neighbourhood as a small group. Pray for the homes, the schools, the businesses and the people you meet.
Use structured and written prayers
Pray short ‘sentence prayers’ or ‘fill-in-the-blank’ prayers
Other Prayer Ideas
As such it is an invitation for God to speak very personally to us. Your group provides the space and silence necessary for God to speak. God provides the inspiration.
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