“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42 (BSB)
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” — 1 Corinthians 11:26 (BSB)
“Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” — Hebrews 10:25 (BSB)
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) writes, “The Christian life is lived in dependence on Jesus, and the Eucharist is the way He has given us to feed on Him in faith. If we need Christ every day, we need His table often.” Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has encouraged believers to “return to the Lord’s Table with joy, humility, and frequency—for in it, Christ renews us for the work ahead.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer exhorts all baptized believers who are “godly and well-disposed” to “draw near with faith.” The rubric in the Holy Communion service reminds the faithful to receive the Sacrament “often.” Although Anglican practice has varied historically—from quarterly to weekly Communion—reformed catholic teaching always encourages regular participation, especially on the Lord’s Day.
J.C. Ryle observed, “There is no better habit for the soul than frequent, faithful reception of the Lord’s Supper. It keeps the cross before our eyes, and Christ close to our hearts.” (Knots Untied, 1874)
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) has said, “The more often we come, the more we remember who we are: redeemed sinners, dependent on grace. The table is not a reward for the perfect but food for the hungry.”
The key is not legalism but love—love for Christ, love for His Word, and love for the means He has given to sanctify us. We should come often, not to earn favor, but because He is our strength and joy.
St. Ambrose of Milan (c. 339–397 AD): “Because I always sin, I always need medicine. Therefore, I receive the Body of Christ often, that I may never be separated from His grace.” — On the Sacraments, 5.4.25
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “You say the Eucharist is holy. Then why not receive it often? It is nourishment for the soul, strength for the week, and healing for the broken.” — Homilies on Hebrews, 17.6
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Some receive daily, some on appointed days. Let each do according to his conscience, but let no one neglect it out of coldness.” — Letter 54
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
