Communion is a special time dedicated to remember Lord’s sacrifice. It cannot be done hastily. As a matter of fact, I believe there are 5 directions we need to look, as we approach the table of communion and partake in the bread and wine, the body and blood of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 11:23-32, 1 Cor 10:16-17).

5 Directions we look during communion:

1. WE LOOK BACK – at who we were (dead in our sins), and what Christ did on the cross for us.

“you proclaim the Lord’s death” (1 Cor 11:26)

“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

2. WE LOOK WITHIN –

“A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” (1 COR 11:28)

God wants us to acknowledge our sins and humbly ask for forgiveness. When we look within, the question we asked, is not “Have we been perfect, to deserve to partake in communion” (because no one can say they lived in such a way that they are without sin and worthy of communion), but rather, what is the condition of our heart? Is Jesus the center of our life, faith and hope?

3. WE LOOK AROUND –

“Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” (1 COR 10:17)

“So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. (1 Cor. 11:33)

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

During communion, we must take a minute and look around, see who is missing, and pray for them. We are one body, and are called to hold each other accountable, encourage and admonish one another. Call them after communion, let them know you missed them, and prayed for them.

4. WE LOOK AHEAD –

“until he comes” (1 COR 11:26)

“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 
Let us rejoice and be glad 
and give him glory! 
For the wedding of the Lamb has come, 
and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” Revelations 19:6-9

The fourth look is to the future. During communion, we look ahead to the day of the Great Wedding Supper of the Lamb. It will be the day when He will wipe away our tears; it will be a place where there will no more sickness and pain, and we will see Jesus face to face!

5. WE LOOK UP –

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep 
your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

Psalm 121 (ESV)

During communion, it is a great time to pray for one another, pray for healing, restoration and peace. It is a time set aside to look up corporately and individually, for our help comes from the Lord!