Don't underestimate the depravity of man. It is a matter of historical record that the prayer of thanksgiving of the early church evolved in stages to man's work of invocation and eventually to the blasphemous Sacrifice of the Mass.

On a personal note, my pastor began saying a prayer of thanksgiving before the words of institution a few years ago. Recently, he added distribution hymns that give glory to man (i.e., "I love to tell the story").

I cannot receive the body and blood of Christ when such hymns are sung. The sacrament is not for those who glory in their own works but for Christians who are weak in the faith, are terrified because of their many sins, and consider themselves unworthy of the inestimable treasure of Christ's body and blood.

Last edited by speratus; Mon Jan 24, 2005 11:50 AM.