Modern liturgies have recognised the need to express both the 'horizontal' and the 'vertical' aspects of the Lord's Supper. After prayers of confession and assurances of God's forgiveness, or a single prayer of preparation, it is appropriate to acknowledge one another as the body of Christ in some way. A formal, liturgical greeting may introduce a time when members of a congregation share a greeting such as 'Peace be with you' or something more informal.

 

4.1

We are the body of Christ.
His Spirit is with us.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.

An Australian Prayer Book

4.2

Christ has reconciled us to God in one body by the cross.
We meet in his name and share his peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.

A Prayer Book for Australia

4.3

'Where two or three are gathered together in my name,'
says the Lord, 'there am I in the midst of them.'
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.

Cf. Matthew 18:20

4.4

Since we are justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has given us access to his grace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.

Cf. Romans 5:1-2

4.5

Once we were far off,
but in union with Christ Jesus we have been brought near,
through the shedding of his blood,
for he is our peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.

Cf. Ephesians 2:13