To worthily partake of the Holy Gifts, you need to prepare. This process includes not only the outer side, but also the innermost. It is necessary to know and observe the conditions of participation in this Sacrament. How to prepare for the sacrament?
Ignorance is no excuse
The outer side of preparation is known to most people. First, be sure to be on the eve of the sacrament at confession. According to the apt expression of one of the famous theologians, a clear conscience testifies to a short memory. Or about ignorance of the practical meaning of the commandments and inattention to oneself. It is necessary to confess not only actions, but also mental sins. That is, the dream of someone else's wife, even if you saw a woman only on TV, is a sin.
Formal rules
Also, external preparation includes abstaining from entertainment, that is, three days before communion one cannot go to the cinema, participate in holidays, watch entertainment programs. In the "Invisible Warfare" it is proposed not even to be interested in "what is happening in other kingdoms: upheavals and events", that is,in modern terms, news. Of course, websites with entertainment content should also be avoided on the Internet. What exactly to leave and what to exclude is a matter of conscience of the future communicant himself. It is necessary to abstain for three days from animal food and marital intimacy, and also to carefully read the instructions for communion and the canons. Good deeds of mercy are also good, help those in need with money or deeds. Helping parents, children and friends counts too!
Volunteer only
But there is also internal preparation, which includes several conditions. How to properly prepare for communion? Firstly, you can approach the bowl only if you feel the need for it. This is called "the condition of the thirst for God." That is, a son (over 7 years old), who is pushed to communion by an overly “pious” mother, is likely to receive communion unworthily. That is, this action must be voluntary.
The cup has no place for the unpeaceful
How to prepare for the sacrament to be worthy? It is very important to reconcile with everyone with whom you are in a quarrel. At least take the first step. If you are not forgiven, but you sincerely regret what happened and are ready to make amends, then after the confession at which you repent, ask the priest for permission to receive communion in your condition.
Believing lifestyle
How to prepare for communion in order to feel the joy of being with God in all its fullness? Enter into the daily routinereading the Gospel and church literature. It is distributed a lot for free, you can even read it online without downloading. And a lot of books have been published. And try to find yourself a confessor so that you can get advice in controversial situations.
How do children prepare for communion? Babies under 7 do not need to go to confession. Although older preschoolers can talk a little with the priest before taking communion. Infants can drink milk when they are supposed to according to the feeding schedule. The rules for toddlers are very flexible. But from the age of 7, the child should prepare fully.
