At first communion, children receive the bread in which Jesus gives himself for the first time. Many families look for a verse for the communion candle, the invitation or the greeting card. Here you will find 20 Bible verses for first communion: first the verses that explain what is being celebrated on this day, then short sayings that children understand and remember.
Bread of Life
First communion celebrates that Jesus gives himself in the bread. These verses tell of this.
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I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me shall not hunger; and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
John 6:35BreadI-am-words
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I am the living bread, come down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread shall live forever.
John 6:51aBread
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And he took the bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them, and said: This is my body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
Luke 22:19Last Supper
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For as often as you eat this bread and drink of this cup, you proclaim the death of the LORD, until he comes.
1 Corinthians 11:26Last Supper
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And it came to pass, when he sat at table with them, he took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.
Luke 24:30-31aLast SupperEating
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For as there is one bread, so we are many, yet one body, for we all partake of one bread.
1 Corinthians 10:17UnityLast Supper
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Abide in me, and I in you. Just as the vine cannot bear fruit by itself, neither can you, unless you abide in me. Abide in me, and you shall bear fruit.
John 15:4Bearing fruitGod's presence
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Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and he will make supper with me, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20God's presenceSolitude
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You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, and my cup runs over.
Psalm 23:5Good ShepherdTable Prayer
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Taste and see that the LORD is good. Blessed is the man who trusts in him!
Psalm 34:9KindnessConfirmation Sayings
Sayings for First Communion for Cards and Candles
Short verses that children understand and can remember.
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Just as my Father loves me, so also I love you. Abide in my love!
John 15:9God's loveBaptism Sayings
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I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.
John 10:11Good ShepherdJesus
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But Jesus said: Let the little children come to me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God.
Matthew 19:14Children
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You surround me on every side, and your hand is over me.
Psalm 139:5God's handBaptism Sayings
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I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12bLightBaptism Sayings
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Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine!
Isaiah 43:1bFearBaptism Sayings
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This is the day which the LORD hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24JoyBaptism Sayings
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Let us love him, for he first loved us.
1 John 4:19Love for GodBaptism Sayings
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And behold, I am with you all the days, even unto the end of the world.
Matthew 28:20bGod's presenceBaptism Sayings
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LORD, show me thy ways, and teach me thy paths.
Psalm 25:4Guidance
Bible texts according to the Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling. In Catholic parishes, the unified translation is usually read – it is best to coordinate the exact wording for the communion candle with the parish.
Related Topics
This Goes Well With It
For first communion, godparents and grandparents like to give something that commemorates the day without ending up in the display cabinet. These four pieces go well with it, and our guide Gifts for First Communion collects further ideas.
Baptism Gift Bundle – T-Shirt, Book & Baptism CardT-Shirt, book and card in one package – also suitable for communion and confirmation.€50
Congratulations - PostcardThe card for your communion verse and a few personal lines.€2
Created in God’s Image - Kids SweaterFor communion children: “Created in God’s Image” as a soft sweater.€39
Yes & Amen - PosterGod's promises as a poster for the children's room.€10
What is celebrated at first communion?
At first communion, Catholic children, usually in third grade, receive the Eucharist for the first time. They celebrate what Jesus said at the last supper: “This is my body, which is given for you.” That is why the first part of this collection contains verses about the bread of life and about the fellowship at table. Anyone who wants to explain to children what it is all about will find two good starting points in John 6:35 and Luke 24:30-31: Jesus gives himself, and at the breaking of the bread the disciples recognize him.
How do I choose a communion verse?
For the communion candle, short verses with a promise are suitable, for example Psalm 139:5 or John 15:9. Eight-year-olds understand images like shepherd, light and bread better than abstract terms. It is helpful to read two or three verses aloud and let the child help decide. A verse that they have chosen themselves is more likely to stay in their memory. Ideas on how to combine the verse with your own words on a card can be found in our Blessings for Cards.
Many children already have a baptism verse. Revisiting it for first communion creates a beautiful connection between the two celebrations. A few years later comes confirmation, at which young people often choose a verse themselves – you will find suitable verses in the confirmation sayings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a verse for first communion?
No, it is not mandatory. However, many parishes give the preparation a theme with a Bible verse, and families like to choose a verse for the candle, invitation or card.
Which verse is suitable for the communion candle?
A short sentence with five to fifteen words is best, such as “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35a) or “You surround me on every side” (Psalm 139:5a).
What do you write to communion children on the card?
A short verse, a sentence about the day and a personal wish. Children appreciate simple words that they can read themselves. Parents often keep such cards for years.
