SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT (COMMUNION)
The elements of Service ot the Sacrament are listed in the order they appear in the Divine Service in the left column and the description of them is in the right column. In the following, the term "Leader" is used to signify a Pastor's Assistant. If there is no assistant, the Pastor peforms that function.

Preface The Pastor and people exchange greetings (Salutation). The Pastor then asks the people to "lift up your hearts", they respond with "we lift them up unto the Lord", then a thanksgiving and affirmation between Pastor and people. This exchange sets the spirit to participate in this Holy Sacrament.
Proper Preface This is a subset of the Propers of the Day. It is prayed by the Pastor, beginning with "It is truly meet, right and salutary" then speaking of praise to God for the sacrament to come and for His generous care. Ending with "evermore praising You and saying"
Sanctus This is a corporate song beginning with "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth...." and ending with Hosanna in the highest"
The Lord's Prayer Taught by our Lord Jesus, we pray: Our Father,who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. ,Amen.
The Words of our Lord Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night He was betrayed, took bread and after giving thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: take, eat; this is my body which is given for you. This do in remembrance of me. In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks. he gave it to them, saying: drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
Pax Domini The Pastor faces the congregation and says: The peace of the Lord be with you always and the people respond: amen.
Agnus Dei This short hymn is composed of three petitions to the Lord Jesus (literally "Lamb of God") that He would through forgiveness of sins, make the people worthy to receive His body and blood in the distribution of the elements.
Hymns and music during Communion These are usually played or sung during distribution of the elements to the people.
The Distribution The Lutheran Church teaches that the body and blood of our Savior is present in, with and under the elements of bread and wine. Each person receives a morsel of unleavened bread, with the statement: "This is the true body of Christ, given for you," and the person replies "Amen." Likewise, wine is received, with the statement: "This is the true blood of Christ, shed for you," and the person replies "Amen." When all have received the true body and true blood, the Pastor states: "The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and preserve you in body and soul to life everlasting. Depart in peace, " and the people reply "Amen."
Nunc Dimittis Also known as the "Song of Simeon," this is a short hymn which begins with "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy Word;" for Simeon was holding in his arms the infant Savior of the World, and he was told he would not taste death before he saw Him. This has applied to all His servants, and is a great comfort to them. It ends with the Gloria Patri
Thanksgiving The Leader says or chants:: "O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good," and the people respond with "and His mercy endureth forever."
Post Communion Collect In this prayer by the Leader, thanks and praise is given to the Lord God for establishing the Sacrament just completed, and petition is made to the Lord to strengthen the people in faith, service to God, and in holy living. The people respond with "Amen".
Salutation and Benedicamus Following the Salutation between Pastor and people, the Benedicamus is a simple two line exchange between Leader and people. A most significant part of the Service. The Leader invites the people and himself to "bless we the Lord"; and all respond with "Thanks be to God." We know from Scripture that giving our God thanks for all his kindness and mercy towards us pleases Him.
Benediction This is the Aaronic Benedication. from Holy Scripture in the Book of Numbers. (Numbers 6:24-26). The Pastor speaks or chants the words of the Benediction and the people respond with a sung Threefold Amen. Variations of the Benedictiion are found in some of the other Services.
Closing Hymn This is the last of the beautiful hymns sung during the Divine Service. It puts a cap on all that has preceded it and sigifies the end of the Divine Service.
This ends the Divine Service