How to Prepare for The Lord’s Supper
Thomas Watson (1620–1686) was a Puritan pastor, theologian, and author. He studied at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Watson’s depth of doctrine, clarity of expression, warmth of spirituality, love of application, and gift of illustration enhanced his reputation as a preacher and writer. His books are still widely read today.
In The Lord’s Supper, Watson offers four directives for how to prepare your heart to take the Lord’s Supper
1. We must come with SELF-EXAMINING hearts. "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread" (1 Cor 11:28). It is not enough that others think that we are fit to come—but we must examine ourselves. The Greek word "to examine" is a metaphor taken from the goldsmith who carefully tries his precious metals. So before we come to the Lord's Supper, we are to make a careful and discerning trial of ourselves by the Word. Self-examination is difficult. It is hard for a man to look inward—and see the face of his own soul. The eye can see everything, but itself.
But this work is necessary because, if we do not examine ourselves, we are at a loss about our spiritual estate. We know not whether we are savingly interested in the covenant—or whether we have a right to the Supper. Also, because God will examine us. It was a sad question the master of the feast asked, "How is it that you are here—without a wedding garment?" (Matt 22:12). So it will be terrible when God shall say to a man, "How did you come in here to My table—with a proud, vain, unbelieving heart? What have you to do here—in your sins. You pollute My holy things!"
What need, therefore, is there to make a heart search before we come to the Lord's Supper! We should examine our sins that they may be mortified, our spiritual needs that they may be supplied, our graces that they may be strengthened.
2. We must come with SERIOUS hearts. Our spirits are feathery and light—like a boat without ballast, which floats in the water but does not sail. We float in holy duties and are full of vain excursions, even when we are to deal with God and are engaged in matters of life and death. That which may fill our hearts with seriousness, is to consider that God's eye is now especially upon us—when we approach His table. "When the King came in to view the guests, He saw a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes" (Matt 22:11). God knows every communicant, and if He sees any levity and indecency of spirit in us, unworthy of His presence—He will be highly incensed and send us away with the guilt of Christ's blood—instead of the comfort of it.
3. We must come with INTELLIGENT hearts. There ought to be a competent measure of knowledge, that we may discern the Lord's body. As we are to pray with understanding (1 Cor 14:15), so ought we to communicate at the Lord's Supper with understanding. If knowledge is lacking, it cannot be a reasonable service (Rom 12:1). Those who do not know the meaning of the Supper—do not feel the comfort of it. We must know God the Father in His attributes, God the Son in His offices, God the Holy Spirit in His graces. Some say they have good hearts yet lack knowledge. We may as well call that a good eye which lacks sight.
4. We must come to the Lord's Supper with LONGING hearts. Say as Christ, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover" (Luke 22:15). If God prepares a feast—we must get an appetite. As David longed for the water of the well of Bethlehem (2 Sam 23:15), so should we long for Christ in the Lord's Supper. Holy desires are the sails of the soul which are spread to receive the gale of a heavenly blessing.