What Bible Verses Are Used At Communion?

Communion—also called the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist, or the Breaking of Bread—is rooted in Scripture. Different churches use different prayers, lectionary readings, and wording, but many return again and again to the same central passages: Jesus giving bread and wine at the Last Supper, and Paul explaining what the church received and passed on.

The Core Communion Passages

The Bible verses most often read or quoted at Communion are the “institution narratives,” the passages where Jesus institutes the meal.

• **Matthew 26:26-29** — Jesus takes bread, blesses it, gives it to the disciples, and says, “Take, eat; this is my body.” He also speaks of the cup as “my blood of the covenant.”
• **Mark 14:22-25** — A closely related account emphasizing the bread, the cup, and the covenant.
• **Luke 22:14-20** — Includes Jesus’ command, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
• **1 Corinthians 11:23-26** — Paul repeats the tradition he “received from the Lord” and says that whenever Christians eat the bread and drink the cup, they “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

In many churches, the pastor or priest will use some of these exact words during the Communion prayer. Even when the service language differs, these passages are usually the foundation.

Other Scriptures Often Connected To Communion

Beyond the Last Supper accounts, several passages help Christians understand the meaning of Communion.

• **1 Corinthians 10:16-17** — Paul speaks of the cup as a “participation” or “sharing” in Christ’s blood, and the bread as a sharing in Christ’s body. He also connects Communion with the unity of the church: “we who are many are one body.”
• **Acts 2:42** — The first Christians devoted themselves to “the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Many churches understand “breaking of bread” as connected to Communion.
• **John 6:35, 51-58** — Jesus calls himself “the bread of life” and speaks of giving his flesh for the life of the world. Christians interpret this passage in different ways, but it is often read during Eucharistic or Communion-focused teaching.
• **Luke 24:30-35** — After the resurrection, Jesus is recognized by two disciples “in the breaking of the bread.”
• **Revelation 19:9** — “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb,” a verse sometimes used to point toward the future feast with Christ.

Old Testament passages can also be read alongside Communion, especially **Exodus 12** (the Passover), **Isaiah 53** (the suffering servant), and **Psalm 34:8**: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!”

Verses Used For Self-Examination And Preparation

Some churches read **1 Corinthians 11:27-29** before Communion, where Paul warns believers not to eat and drink “in an unworthy manner.” This does not mean Christians must be perfect before coming to the table. Rather, it calls us to come honestly—with repentance, faith, love for others, and reverence for Christ.

Families can help children understand this gently: Communion is not a snack or a magic ritual. It is a holy sign and gift centered on Jesus’ death and resurrection. Depending on your church tradition, children may receive Communion, wait until a certain age, or prepare through first Communion, confirmation, or a profession of faith.

How To Talk About Communion With Kids

A simple way to explain it is: “At Communion, Christians remember Jesus, receive his gift, and celebrate that we belong to him and to his people.”

Here are a few practical tips for parents:

1. **Read one short passage at home.** Start with Luke 22:14-20 or 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 before a Communion Sunday. 2. **Use simple words.** Say, “The bread points us to Jesus’ body given for us. The cup points us to his blood and the new covenant.” 3. **Connect it to the whole Bible story.** Communion echoes Passover, the cross, the resurrection, and the future feast with Christ. 4. **Respect your church’s practice.** Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Reformed, Baptist, Methodist, and non-denominational churches may explain and administer Communion differently. Teach your child your church’s practice while honoring other Christians. 5. **Ask reflection questions.** “What do we remember about Jesus?” “Why do Christians share one bread or one table?” “How can we come with thankful hearts?”

A Short List To Keep Handy

If you are looking for Bible verses used at Communion, begin with these:

• Matthew 26:26-29
• Mark 14:22-25
• Luke 22:14-20
• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
• 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
• Acts 2:42
• John 6:35, 51-58
• Luke 24:30-35

Together, these passages show Communion as remembrance, proclamation, thanksgiving, unity, and hope. At the table, Christians look back to the cross, receive God’s grace in the present, and look forward to the day when Christ makes all things new.