Helping Children to Understand Communion

As we have begun to practice virtual communion, it is even more important that families work together so all can understand this important sacrament. Below are some easy ways to help children understand the context of communion.

Connect the “meals” from scripture that lead to our understanding of communion.

• Read the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, and talk about their “last meal” at home in Egypt – the meal of unleavened bread (because they had to leave quickly) and, if your children are old enough, the sacrifice of the Lamb. This was the meal that became the Passover.
• Read the story of Jesus and his Disciples celebrating the Passover, connecting it to the story above and explaining that Jesus and his Disciples had gathered to celebrate this holiday that had been observed for hundreds of years, when Jesus did something totally new and different by breaking the bread and pouring the wine.
• Read the Lord’s Prayer with your children, and practice saying it together.

Walk your children through what happens during communion, explaining it is a sacred moment to honor and remember what God has done.

When you are worshiping together, point out the stories they already know.