Luther’s Small Catechism

by Dr. Martin Luther

How to Receive This Sacrament Worthily

How to Receive This Sacrament Worthily

How to Receive This Sacrament Worthily

Fourth

Who receives this sacrament worthily?

Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins."

But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words "for you" require all hearts to believe.

The Central Thought

The essential way to prepare for the Lord's Supper is to believe Jesus' promise that His body and blood are "given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." "Therefore consider, and read yourself into this word you, so that He may not speak to you in vain" (LC V 65).

What are some reasons that people might think they should not take Communion? 

Read Matthew 22:1--14. Notice that Jesus' parable is both a...

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