Now about the Eucharist, this is how to give thanks: First in connection with the cup:
We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of David, your servant, which you have revealed through Jesus, your Son. To you be glory forever.
Then in connection with the piece broken off the loaf:
We thank you, our Father, for the life and knowledge which you have revealed through Jesus, your Son. To you be glory forever.
As this piece of bread was scattered over the hills and then was brought together and made one, so let your Church be brought together from the ends of the earth into your Kingdom. For yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forever.
You must not let anyone eat or drink of your Eucharist except those baptized in the Lord’s name. For in reference to this the Lord said, “Do not give what is sacred to dogs.”
After you have finished your meal, say grace in this way:
We thank you, holy Father, for your sacred name which you have lodged in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality which you have revealed through Jesus, your Son. To you be glory forever.
Almighty Master, you have created everything for the sake of your name, and have given people food and drink to enjoy that they may thank you. But to us you have given spiritual food and drink and eternal life through Jesus, your Son.
Above all, we thank you that you are mighty. To you be glory forever.
Remember, Lord, your Church, to save it from all evil and to make it perfect by your love. Make it holy, and gather it together from the four winds into your Kingdom which you have made ready for it. For yours is the power and the glory forever.
Let grace come and let this world pass away.
Hosanna to the God of David!
If anyone is holy, let him come.
If not, let him repent.
Our Lord, come!
Amen.
Source: Freely modified from The Didache, ed. Cyril Richardson, 1953. CCEL. The Didache also known as The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is a brief anonymous early Christian treatise, dated by most modern scholars to the first century. Some elements of The Didache are similar to the Gospel of Matthew, some seem to be apocryphal additions.
“As this piece of bread…” is similar in thought to 1 Corinthians 10:17.
“Do not give what is sacred to dogs” is from Matthew 7:6.
“But you have given spiritual food… is similar to 1 Corinthians 10:3.
“Remember, Lord, your Church, to save it from all evil…” is similar to
Matthew 6:13.
“Make it holy, and gather it together from the four winds…” is similar to
Matthew 24:31
“To you be glory forever” and “For yours is the power and the glory forever” is similar to Romans 11:36, Revelation 1:6, and many doxological phrases in the New Testament.
A Collection of Prayers 