Anglican/Episcopalian Practice
From the American Book of Common Prayer 1979
The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. Because the Eucharist, the Church's sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, is the way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present, and in which he unites us to his one offering of himself. The Holy Eucharist is called the Lord's Supper, and Holy Communion; it is also known as the Divine Liturgy, the Mass, and the Great Offering.
The outward and visible sign in the Eucharist is bread and wine, given and received according to Christ's command. The inward and spiritual grace in the Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of Christ given to his people, and received by faith. The benefits we receive are the forgiveness of our sins, the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another, and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in eternal life.
Prior to receiving the Eucharist, it is required that we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people.
However, some Anglicans and Episcopalians, especially Anglo-Catholics and those of the High Church party, observe the practice of fasting for one hour before receiving Communion, while others abstain from any food or drink from midnight until the time of communing. Anglicans also believe in the real, objective presence of Jesus Christ in the holy sacrament.
Read more about this topic: Eucharistic Discipline
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