What is one important aspect that individuals must do before partaking in the Lord's Supper?

The importance of self-examination before partaking in the Lord's Supper is a key teaching in Reformed theology and is supported by Scripture. The Apostle Paul instructs believers in 1 Corinthians 11:28 to "examine themselves" before eating the bread and drinking the cup. This act of examination is significant because it allows individuals to reflect on their relationship with God, their understanding of the sacrament, and any unconfessed sin in their lives that may hinder their communion with Christ.

By encouraging self-examination, participants are prompted to consider their faith, their spiritual condition, and their readiness to partake in such a sacred act. This practice fosters a mindset of reverence and humility, ensuring that the Lord's Supper is approached with the seriousness it deserves.

While praying for forgiveness, attending a preparation class, or fasting could be beneficial practices in the broader context of one’s spiritual life, they are not specifically mandated as prerequisites for the Lord's Supper in the same way that self-examination is underscored in biblical teachings.