Preparing your heart for Communion is more than a spiritual routine—it’s a deeply personal act of worship. Jesus gave us a clear example at the Last Supper: He approached the table with humility, honesty, and a heart focused on both others and the future. By washing His disciples’ feet, confronting broken relationships, and giving thanks even in the face of suffering, Jesus showed us what it means to come to the Lord’s table with a ready heart.
When you take time to reflect, repent, reconcile, and refocus, Communion becomes a powerful moment of renewal—not just remembrance. It’s not about being perfect, but about being real with God. Keep reading to dive deeper into the steps Jesus took and how you can follow His lead to make every Communion truly meaningful.
Communion isn’t just another part of a church service—it’s a sacred moment between you and God. But too often, we treat it casually, as if it’s just something to check off the Sunday list. Jesus never intended for the Lord’s Supper to be taken lightly. In fact, He showed us exactly how to prepare our hearts for it.
If you’ve ever wondered how to approach Communion in a meaningful way, you’re not alone. Let’s walk through how Jesus prepared for that final meal with His disciples and how you can follow His example to approach the table with the right heart.
What Is Communion?
Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper, is a practice where Christians eat bread and drink wine (or grape juice) to remember Jesus’ death on the cross. The bread symbolizes His body, and the cup symbolizes His blood shed for our sins (Luke 22:19-20).
But it’s not just about remembering—it’s also a time to examine yourself, renew your commitment to Christ, and anticipate His return (1 Corinthians 11:26-28). That’s why your heart matters.
Why Your Heart Needs to Be Ready
Before you take Communion, it’s essential to prepare inwardly. Paul gave a strong warning to the Corinthian church about taking the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner. They were going through the motions without reflecting on their own sin or showing love for others.
1 Corinthians 11:28 (NIV)
“Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.”
If your heart isn’t in the right place, you miss the point of Communion. So let’s look at how Jesus approached that final meal and what we can learn from Him.
1. Jesus Prepared with Humility
Before Jesus broke bread with His disciples, He did something unexpected—He washed their feet (John 13:1-17). This was the job of the lowest servant, yet Jesus humbled Himself to do it.
John 13:14-15 (NIV)
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
What You Can Do:
- Check your pride. Are you holding on to pride, resentment, or a sense of superiority? Let it go.
- Serve someone. One of the best ways to prepare your heart is to put others before yourself. Jesus did.
2. Jesus Addressed Broken Relationships
At the Last Supper, Jesus confronted Judas, knowing he would betray Him (John 13:21-27). Even though Judas chose to walk away, Jesus gave him the chance to turn back.
What You Can Do:
- Examine your relationships. Are you harboring unforgiveness or bitterness? Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24 that if you have something against someone, you should reconcile before offering your gift at the altar.
- Seek peace. You can’t be in close fellowship with God while holding a grudge against someone else.
3. Jesus Spoke Honestly
During that meal, Jesus told His disciples the truth—they would all fall away. He didn’t hide His emotions or pretend everything was okay.
Matthew 26:31 (NIV)
“This very night you will all fall away on account of me…”
What You Can Do:
- Be honest with God. Don’t fake it. If you’re struggling, confess it. God already knows.
- Pray with openness. Use Communion as a time to pour your heart out and let God meet you where you are.
4. Jesus Gave Thanks
Before breaking the bread and passing the cup, Jesus gave thanks (Matthew 26:26-27). Keep in mind—He knew what was about to happen. He knew the suffering that was coming, yet He was thankful.
What You Can Do:
- Practice gratitude. No matter what’s happening in your life, take time to thank God for what Jesus did on the cross.
- Shift your focus. Gratitude shifts your eyes from your problems to God’s provision.
5. Jesus Looked Ahead
Jesus ended the meal by pointing forward—not just to the cross, but to His return.
Matthew 26:29 (NIV)
“I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
He wasn’t just focused on the pain—He was focused on the promise.
What You Can Do:
- Remember the hope you have. Communion isn’t just about the past. It’s also about what’s ahead: the return of Jesus and eternal life with Him.
- Live with expectancy. Use the Lord’s Supper to renew your focus on what really matters.
6. Jesus Invited Others In
Jesus didn’t eat alone. He shared that final meal with those closest to Him—even those who would fail Him.
He created a space for grace.
What You Can Do:
- Examine your community. Are you walking with others in faith? Communion is a reminder that we’re part of the body of Christ.
- Invite others in. If someone needs encouragement or restoration, extend grace just like Jesus did.
How to Prepare Your Heart Practically
Here’s a quick checklist you can use before taking Communion:
- Reflect – Take a quiet moment to think about what Jesus did for you.
- Repent – Confess any sin and ask God for forgiveness.
- Reconcile – Make things right with others if needed.
- Refocus – Fix your eyes on Jesus and His return.
- Rejoice – Give thanks for your salvation.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your heart for Communion isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest, humble, and open to the work of God in your life. Jesus gave us the perfect example—He approached the table with humility, honesty, gratitude, and a heart full of love for others.
If you follow His lead, Communion becomes more than a ritual—it becomes a moment of real connection with Christ.
So next time you prepare to take the bread and the cup, don’t rush. Slow down. Take the time to prepare your heart, and let it be a sacred moment that strengthens your faith, renews your soul, and draws you closer to the One who gave everything for you.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Preparing Your Heart for Communion
1. Why is it important to prepare your heart before taking Communion?
Because Communion is a sacred moment of remembrance and worship. Preparing your heart helps you approach it with reverence, sincerity, and a clear conscience, as Scripture commands (1 Corinthians 11:28).
2. How did Jesus prepare for the Last Supper?
Jesus prepared with humility (washing feet), honesty (confronting betrayal), thanksgiving, and a focus on God’s plan. He used the moment to teach, serve, and show grace.
3. What does it mean to “examine yourself” before Communion?
It means taking time to reflect on your relationship with God and others—confessing sins, repenting, and approaching the table with a humble and sincere heart (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).
4. Can I take Communion if I’ve sinned recently?
Yes, as long as you’ve genuinely repented. Communion is a reminder of Christ’s forgiveness. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about coming with a repentant, sincere heart.
5. What should I do if I’m holding a grudge against someone?
Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:23-24 to reconcile with others before offering your gift at the altar. Seek peace and forgiveness before taking Communion.
6. What role does gratitude play in preparing for Communion?
Jesus gave thanks before breaking the bread (Matthew 26:26-27). Gratitude shifts your focus from yourself to God’s goodness and the gift of salvation.
7. How can I spiritually prepare for Communion during the week?
Spend time in prayer, confess sin regularly, maintain a spirit of forgiveness, and stay in God’s Word. This keeps your heart aligned with Christ throughout the week.
8. Is Communion only about remembering Jesus’ death?
No, it’s also about celebrating His resurrection and anticipating His return. Communion points backward to the cross and forward to His coming (1 Corinthians 11:26).
9. Can I take Communion alone, or should it be done in community?
While personal reflection is key, Communion is also a shared act of unity in the body of Christ. It’s meant to be experienced in fellowship with other believers.
10. What’s the difference between taking Communion out of routine and from a prepared heart?
Routine leads to spiritual numbness. A prepared heart makes Communion meaningful—it becomes a personal encounter with Christ that renews your soul.
