While it is true that worship is in the realm of the spirit, that does not mean that the body and soul are left behind. It only means that they are subservient to the spirit. Obviously there is the necessity of definite preparation of the whole person in view of engaging in this highest exercise of the human personality.
There should be physical preparation. We must be rested. Living in a society that is bent on pleasing self, it is little wonder that there is a constant call for self-indulgence. Late Saturday nights can rob the saint of freshness on the Lord’s Day morning. Long Sunday lie-ins can add rush and pressure to getting to the meeting on time, putting the mind into a state of excitement not conducive to high and worshipful thoughts.
There is in this day of total demand a great need to control our involvements. The Lord recognized this need in the lives of His own: “And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going…” (Mk. 6:31). It has been pointed out that there is often a connection between busyness and barrenness.
There must be mental preparation. Today there is a concerted attack of the enemy on the minds of God’s people, for as a man thinks, “so is he” (Prov. 23:7).
a) The worldly mind is not likely to give much to the Lord at His Supper. It is worldly because of a pre-occupation with the playthings, pastimes and pleasures of the world, and readily becomes defiled. The Holy Spirit is thus grieved and has no liberty to lead that soul into the Holiest for worship.
b) The wandering mind will make it difficult to concentrate on holy things. Often the cause is lack of self-discipline. Brother Lawrence, in his Letters, said, “One way to recollect the mind in time of prayer, and preserve it more in tranquility, is not to let it wander too far at other times.”
c) The weary mind is often burdened with the cares of this life and ready to faint. The blessed remedy for this is found in Hebrews 12:3, “Consider Him…,” that is, think on Him, bring thoughts concerning Him to mind. It is not only that such thoughts are good but that, with bathing the mind with thoughts of Christ, He Himself becomes the balm for the weary mind, putting it into a frame more conducive to worshipful occupation at the Lord’s Supper. This gives the capacity to be able to say to the cares and burdens of life, as did Abraham long ago to his servants, “Abide ye here…and I and the lad will go yonder and worship” (Gen. 22:5).
There must be spiritual preparation, a careful apprehension of what we are engaged in at the Lord’s Supper. What is expected of us as holy priests is to offer up spiritual sacrifices to God. Like the meal offering, there should be preparation for this at home during the week.
We also need a clear understanding of who is the object of our gathering; at most of our meetings we not only think about the Lord, we are there to minister to the needs of others—through prayer, ministry of the Word, or personal encouragement. But the Lord’s Supper is entirely focussed on the Lord. Who is this Personage we come to worship? He is not now “Jesus only.” A great deal has happened since that lonely Stranger walked the shores of Galilee. “God hath made that same Jesus…both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). We remember Him at the time when He voluntarily took the lowest place, but we know He now occupies the highest.
Daily communion at the Lord’s Table (described in 1 Cor. 10) is assumed in the life of each believer. The Supper should be considered the climax of our feasting throughout the week at the Table. The measure in which we enjoy the Lord and His provisions all week long will largely affect our responses at the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week.
A devoted attitude and reverent decorum is expected as we “enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus.” Like the sanctuary of old, it is still a fragrant place and a privileged place. Let us be prepared when we enter.
Written by J. Boyd Nicholson Sr