For Luther, the examination of communicants primarily concerns that they know what the Lord’s Supper is and what is is for. The pastor should know the communicants, their names, manner of life, and general catechetical state. He does not have in mind that the pastor must examine communicants before every reception of the Lord’s Supper. Indeed, in some cases Luther is satified that once is enough. The point is to guard against the unworthy flocking to the altar without any attempt on the church’s part to fulfill Matthew 28 and the apostolic concerns of worthy reception (1 Corinthians 11).
Indeed, there can be no lifelong teaching and catechesis of disciples without examination, elaboration being the most effective learning tool there is. Effective teaching and catechesis through elaboration
AE 53:33: But I think it enough for the applicants for communion to be examined or explored once a year. Indeed, a man may be so understanding that he needs to be questioned only once in his lifetime or not at all. For, by this practice, we want to guard lest the worthy and unworthy alike rush to the Lord’s Supper.