Nearly every week we have the opportunity to renew our baptismal covenants through the partaking of the sacrament. As we made the decision to be baptized the covenants that we were entering into were taken seriously. Do we take the sacrament with the same seriousness that we approached our baptisms?
It is easy to become distracted while taking the sacrament each week. Our minds may wander during the sacrament prayer. We may have young children sitting with us, or around us that capture our attention. It may be difficult to remember that we should be focusing on the Atonement of our Savior.
L. Tom Perry in his talk “As Now We Take the Sacrament,” said:
“The sacrament is one of the most sacred ordinances in the Church. Partaking of the sacrament worthily gives us an opportunity for spiritual growth.
I remember that when I was a child, beautiful music was played during the passing of the sacrament. The Brethren soon asked us to stop that practice because our minds were centered on the music rather than on the atoning sacrifice of our Lord and Savior. During the administration of the sacrament, we set aside the world. It is a period of spiritual renewal as we recognize the deep spiritual significance of the ordinance offered to each of us personally. If we were to become casual in partaking of the sacrament, we would lose the opportunity for spiritual growth.”
There are things that each of us can do to help us prepare to take the sacrament each week. These are only suggestion, and some may not work for you. As you pray about ways to help you prepare to take the sacrament each week, the Lord will guide in what you should do.
1) Before you go to church on Sunday take some time to quietly read your scriptures and to pray that you may feel the spirit while you are at church. You can specifically read about when Christ first instructed his followers to take the sacrament or about the Atonement of Christ.
2) As you are waiting to receive the sacrament you may want to read the sacrament prayers. The prayers can be found in Moroni chapters four and five. Ponder the things that you are covenanting as you partake of the sacrament.
3) This is an excellent time to take an account of the things that are happening in your life. As you think back over the last week, are there behaviors that you want to change? Did you live your life in a way that would be pleasing unto Christ? Are there areas that may need improvement?
4) Discuss with your family the importance of taking the sacrament each week, and encourage them to have a reverent attitude as well.
The sacrament is a holy ordinance and should be approached in a reverent manner. What have you done to prepare to take the sacrament each week?