When I was a lad, for a time I refrained from taking of the Sacrament because I felt imperfect. As I learned more about the spirit of repentance and grace, and the part that says "that they are willing to..." I felt more at ease in taking the Sacrament. I believe now that the key is a willing heart, willing to repent and move forward.75 It is expedient that the church ameet together often to bpartake of cbread and wine in the dremembrance of the Lord Jesus;
76 And the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this amanner shall he administer it—he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying:
77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this abread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and bwitness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his ccommandments which he has given them; that they may always have his dSpirit to be with them. Amen.
78 The amanner of administering the wine—he shall take the bcup also, and say:
79 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this awine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
80 Any member of the church of Christ atransgressing, or being bovertaken in a fault, shall be dealt with as the scriptures direct.
Now I have two very close to me who might be considered inactive, in part it seems because they don't feel worthy to partake, don't feel worthy to participate fully in the Sacrament meeting. Yet they will pray in family settings with no problem, and both try to be honest and forthright. I love them dearly.
I would say there has been some "trial of the faith" due to "unrighteous dominion" they've encountered from ecclesiastical leaders in the past (see D&C 121). Indeed, in this area, there seem to be quite a number of "inactives" who have encountered this problem, from what I can tell, and I would appreciate comment on this problem also. The Lord has made it clear his feelings about "unrighteous dominion" and offending His children by "holier-than-thou" leaders, although we hardly ever talk about this. I hasten to add that our current Bishop is wonderful and does not seem to be prone to this problem.
I would appreciate some comment, particularly quotes from the Brethren, regarding what it takes to be worthy to partake or worthy to attend Church meetings.
In the case of transgression, is it necessary to confess to one's Bishop as a pre-requisite to taking the sacrament? I have served in Bishoprics in three wards and I think that partaking the sacrament is an individual matter, but I would appreciate anything specific on this question from the Brethren.