J.M.J.
From the Didache ("The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles"), circa early Second Century:
Celebrate the Eucharist
as follows: Say over the cup: “we give You thanks, Father, for the holy vine of
David, Your servant, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant. To
You be glory for ever”.
Over
the broken bread say: “we give You thanks, Father, for the life and the
knowledge which You have revealed to us through Jesus Your Servant. To You be
glory for ever. As this broken bread scattered on the mountains was gathered
and became one, so too, may your Church be gathered together from the ends of
the earth into Your kingdom. For glory and power are Yours through Jesus Christ
for ever.”
Do not let anyone eat
or drink of Your Eucharist except those who have been baptized in the Name of
the Lord. For the statement of the Lord applies here also: Do not give to dogs
what is holy.
When
you finish the meal, offer thanks in this manner:
“We
thank You, holy Father, for Your Name Which You enshrined in our hearts. We
thank You for the knowledge and faith and immortality which You revealed to us
through Your Servant Jesus. To You be glory for ever.
“Almighty Ruler, You
created all things for the sake of Your Name; You gave men food and drink to
enjoy so that they might give You thanks. Now You have favored us through Jesus
Your Servant with spiritual Food and Drink as well as with Eternal Life. Above
all we thank You because You are mighty. To You be glory for ever.
“Remember,
Lord, Your Church and deliver her from all evil. Perfect her in Your love; and,
once she has been sanctified, gather her together from the four winds into the
kingdom which You have prepared for her. For power and glory are Yours for
ever.
“May
grace come and this world pass away! Hosanna to the God of David. If anyone is
holy, let him come. If anyone is not, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.”
On the Lord’s day, when
you have been gathered together, break bread and celebrate the Eucharist. But
first confess your sins so that your offering may be pure. If anyone has a
quarrel with his neighbor, that person should not join you until he has been
reconciled. Your sacrifice must not be defiled. In this regard, the Lord has
said: In every place and time offer Me
a pure sacrifice. I am a great king, says the Lord, and My Name is great among
the nations. [Malachi 1:11]
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