Latter-day Saints believe firmly in the power and importance of personal and family prayer. We believe that God is our Father in Heaven and that He loves each of us, deeply. We are His children and He wants us to be close to Him. We can speak to Him and He can speak to us through prayer.
Prayers can be spoken or silent. They can be done on our knees in our bedrooms or standing at a pulpit in church. They can be a few seconds or a few hours. They can be individual or offered up in behalf of an entire family or congregation. They should be personal and heartfelt. They should not be memorized or recited prayers. Instead, we should ponder and think carefully about what we should say beforehand. We then offer up prayers that are the result of careful thought and reflection of the desires of our hearts.
We pray to our Heavenly Father in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ. We begin a prayer by addressing our Father in Heaven. We then thank Him for the many blessings we have. We acknowledge our faults and weaknesses and ask for forgiveness through the atonement of Jesus. We then ask for blessings. These blessings can be big or small. We have been promised that if we ask for blessings, with faith in Jesus Christ, they will be given to us if they are according to the will of God. We then close the prayer in the name of the Jesus Christ.
We are commanded to pray always. This means that we should have a prayer in our hearts at all times. We should kneel in prayer in the mornings and in the evenings to express gratitude for the many blessings we have received. We should also gather our families together in the morning, at meal times, and in the evenings for prayer. This bonds a family together in unity and helps children to know that God loves them and watches over them.
Prayer is essential to our relationship with God. The Bible Dictionary included in the LDS publications of the King James Version of the Holy Bible states, "As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part. Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. the object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others, blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings."
For an excellent webpage on prayer and its meaning in our lives, click here.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A Few Basic Facts About Mormons
I am revisiting an earlier post because I think it is important to correct any misconceptions as to who Mormons are. The following statements are largely taken from a post I made in July. I have made a few revisions and additions to clarify certain points.
To best understand the beliefs of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is important to know some basic facts about the Church and its members.
1. “Mormon” is a nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members are often referred to as “Mormons,” “Latter-day Saints,” or “LDS.” The term “Saint” means “member.” When Paul wrote to the members of the Church in the New Testament, he referred to them as "Saints." The use of "Latter-day Saints" in the name of the Church is to distinguish between the restored Church of Christ in modern times with Christ's original church in ancient times.
2. The Church was restored in 1830 in western New York with Joseph Smith as its first prophet and president. Most members of the Church, under the direction of Brigham Young, the second prophet and president of the Church, relocated to Utah in 1847 to escape persecution. Today it is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah with Thomas S. Monson as the present prophet and president of the Church. He is assisted by two counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The Church in modern times has the same organization and authority as the Church in the time of Christ.
3. There are now over 13 million members in 176 countries and territories. About 6 million of these members are in the United States, making it the fourth largest Christian denomination in America.
4. Local congregations are led by volunteer, unpaid members. Both men and women serve in assigned leadership positions. Every member is given a "calling" or a responsibility in the Church.
5. Members of the Church are encouraged to receive a good education. Members serve in high and trusted positions throughout the world in business, medicine, law, education, media, sports, and entertainment. Mormons are also well-represented in politics and government (in the United States, 16 members of Congress, from both political parties, are practicing Mormons).
6. Certain aspects of Mormon practice include the paying of tithing (10 percent of a member’s income), the Word of Wisdom (health code that prohibits the use of tobacco and drugs and the drinking of alcohol, coffee, and tea), and the law of chastity (which proscribes abstinence before marriage and complete fidelity after marriage).
Taken from a General Conference address of the Church by Elder M. Russell Ballard in October 2007. For the full address, click here.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Growth of the Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. Recently, I have been asked by friends why the LDS Church is growing so fast. To what can we attribute the world-wide growth of the Church? This post will briefly examine the recent growth of the LDS Church and explore why such growth has occurred and why it will continue to occur.
Growth of the Church
The Church of Jesus Christ was restored on the earth on April 6, 1830 in Western New York. The Church was organized with six individuals. In 2008, just 178 years after its incorporation, church members now number more than 13 million people in all parts of the world. Countries with the most members of the Church are the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and the Philippines. However, Church congregations and temples can be found throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and Australia. The Church is now the fourth-largest denomination in the United States. A majority of members in the United States are in the Western states, although, church congregations are found throughout the U.S.
Why has the Church grown so fast?
There are likely numerous reasons why the Church has enjoyed such a miraculous growth rate. A few of these reasons will be noted here.
First, the Bible prophecies of the time when God would again restore His Church on the earth in preparation for the Second Coming of His Son. It was prophesied that this gospel message would be preached throughout the world and that all nations would hear the "good news" of Jesus Christ. "I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder . . ." (Isaiah 29:14). In large part, the dramatic growth of the Church can be attributed to the miraculous dealings of God with His children. In His infinite mercy and love, He has restored the kingdom of God on Earth and He is gathering His children into His Church. In the Old Testament, the prophet Daniel prophesied that the restored gospel in the last days would be like a little stone cut without hands, rolling down the mountain until it will fill the whole earth (Daniel 2:34-35).
Second, Christ commanded his followers to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:20). The Church takes this missionary charge very seriously. There are now more than 52,000 full-time missionaries of the Church in the world teaching the gospel and baptizing those who have faith in Jesus Christ and who repent of their sins. These missionaries pay their own way to preach the gospel. They share with others their testimonies of Jesus and His restored Church and invite others to "come and see" for themselves. We invite everyone to find out for themselves if the Church is true by (1) studying the scriptures and learning the teachings of the Church, (2) pondering and praying to know if it is true, and (3) living the teachings of the Church to see the change in their lives.
Third, in my opinion, people are yearning for something more to life. The current mores and standards of the world are "anything goes" and "do what feels good." I am sure that I am not alone in asking such questions as "Who am I?", "Where did I come from?", "What am I supposed to do in life?", and "What happens after this life?" In searching for meaning and order in life, many turn to religion to see if they can find an answer to life's mysteries. In coming across The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they find something special and different. We expect something out of our members--every member in the Church has a calling. We have commandments from God that must be strictly observed. We fellowship, serve, and love one another. We have a Prophet and Twelve Apostles who guide the Church under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ. We "seal" families together for all eternity. We believe that because of the atonement of Jesus Christ and through our obedience, we can live with God again, and indeed, become like Him in the eternities to come (Romans 8:16-17; Luke 12:42-44; Psalm 82:6).
Future of the Church
The world is in commotion, but the Church will go forward and continue to spread out across the Earth. The LDS Church invites everyone to have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Church will continue to grow and build temples where faithful members can make sacred covenants with God and seal families together for all eternity. The Church welcomes everyone who desires to follow God and to learn more of Him. This requires faith, discipline, humility, and love. But for those who make the journey into the The Church of Jesus Christ, it is worth it! My life has been blessed more than I could have imagined because of my association with the restored Church.
Growth of the Church The Church of Jesus Christ was restored on the earth on April 6, 1830 in Western New York. The Church was organized with six individuals. In 2008, just 178 years after its incorporation, church members now number more than 13 million people in all parts of the world. Countries with the most members of the Church are the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and the Philippines. However, Church congregations and temples can be found throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and Australia. The Church is now the fourth-largest denomination in the United States. A majority of members in the United States are in the Western states, although, church congregations are found throughout the U.S.
Why has the Church grown so fast?
There are likely numerous reasons why the Church has enjoyed such a miraculous growth rate. A few of these reasons will be noted here.
First, the Bible prophecies of the time when God would again restore His Church on the earth in preparation for the Second Coming of His Son. It was prophesied that this gospel message would be preached throughout the world and that all nations would hear the "good news" of Jesus Christ. "I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder . . ." (Isaiah 29:14). In large part, the dramatic growth of the Church can be attributed to the miraculous dealings of God with His children. In His infinite mercy and love, He has restored the kingdom of God on Earth and He is gathering His children into His Church. In the Old Testament, the prophet Daniel prophesied that the restored gospel in the last days would be like a little stone cut without hands, rolling down the mountain until it will fill the whole earth (Daniel 2:34-35).
Second, Christ commanded his followers to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:20). The Church takes this missionary charge very seriously. There are now more than 52,000 full-time missionaries of the Church in the world teaching the gospel and baptizing those who have faith in Jesus Christ and who repent of their sins. These missionaries pay their own way to preach the gospel. They share with others their testimonies of Jesus and His restored Church and invite others to "come and see" for themselves. We invite everyone to find out for themselves if the Church is true by (1) studying the scriptures and learning the teachings of the Church, (2) pondering and praying to know if it is true, and (3) living the teachings of the Church to see the change in their lives.
Third, in my opinion, people are yearning for something more to life. The current mores and standards of the world are "anything goes" and "do what feels good." I am sure that I am not alone in asking such questions as "Who am I?", "Where did I come from?", "What am I supposed to do in life?", and "What happens after this life?" In searching for meaning and order in life, many turn to religion to see if they can find an answer to life's mysteries. In coming across The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they find something special and different. We expect something out of our members--every member in the Church has a calling. We have commandments from God that must be strictly observed. We fellowship, serve, and love one another. We have a Prophet and Twelve Apostles who guide the Church under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ. We "seal" families together for all eternity. We believe that because of the atonement of Jesus Christ and through our obedience, we can live with God again, and indeed, become like Him in the eternities to come (Romans 8:16-17; Luke 12:42-44; Psalm 82:6).
Future of the Church
The world is in commotion, but the Church will go forward and continue to spread out across the Earth. The LDS Church invites everyone to have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Church will continue to grow and build temples where faithful members can make sacred covenants with God and seal families together for all eternity. The Church welcomes everyone who desires to follow God and to learn more of Him. This requires faith, discipline, humility, and love. But for those who make the journey into the The Church of Jesus Christ, it is worth it! My life has been blessed more than I could have imagined because of my association with the restored Church.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Financial Stewardship
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that individuals and families must be wise financial stewards. Self-sufficiency and modesty in our wants and possessions are not only "good advice," but are actually sound gospel principles that Mormons are taught.After Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden, God commanded Adam, "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread . . ." (Genesis 3:19). That commandment remains in effect today. Latter-day Saints are taught to obtain all the education they can and to find employment that provides their families with (at a minimum) the basic necessities of life. This economic self-reliance provides individuals with self-respect, satisfaction, and happiness. In addition to economic self-reliance, individuals must also strive to be socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically self-reliant. Where individuals cannot meet these needs, they can turn to family (first) and the Church (second).
In order to be truly self-reliant, the Church teaches that families should (1) avoid debt, (2) maintain a financial reserve, and (3) attain a year's supply of food. To assist families in accumulating food storage, the Church owns canneries around the world where members of the Church can purchase and package food in bulk. In doing so, families will be prepared for the "rainy days" that inevitably come. In addition, by avoiding debt and having a healthy savings account, families will feel peace and security during times of distress and uncertainty in the world.
Our responsibilities do not end with ourselves and our families. Not only must we be self-reliant, but members of the Church must also care for the poor and needy. One of the ways Latter-day Saints care for the poor is by donating to the Church a "fast offering." Once a month, Church members are asked to abstain from eating or drinking for two meals (or 24 hours). The money they saved from fasting (and any additional generosity) is then donated to the Church for assisting in helping the poor and needy.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes seriously the charge to care for those who are in need. Many additional resources such as employment centers, welfare plans, educational loans, food, and basic necessities are provided to those in need. All of the Church's welfare is done with the goal of helping others "help themselves" by becoming self-reliant.
The Church maintains a website, www.providentliving.org with resources, lessons, statistics, and services in temporal and spiritual welfare. For additional information on the Church's teachings on welfare, click here.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Citizenship and the Role of Government
Latter-day Saints believe that it is the duty of members of the Church to be good citizens wherever they live. The twelfth article of faith of the Church states, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." Members of the Church are expected to be law-abiding citizens and to serve their fellow countrymen for the good of society. Citizenship entails participating in the political process, serving the community, nation, or world, raising a righteous posterity, seeking an education, obtaining gainful employment, and being hard-working and honest in one's labors and pursuits. Latter-day Saints believe in the value and necessity of hard work and sincere efforts in the workplace, the home, and in the community.
In addition to the twelfth article of faith, the Doctrine and Covenants of the Church also discuss the role of government. "We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. . . ." (D&C 134:1).
Latter-day Saints believe that God gave men freedom and that such freedom should be protected by the government. With this God-given freedom comes responsibility. We, as citizens, are responsible for electing wise and righteous leaders who will preserve our freedoms and enact laws to protect individuals, families, and society. Such an effort requires both education and action on our behalf. We must learn and study the issues of the day. We must seek to know who the candidates are and what ideals they represent. We must become active in civic affairs and to make the world a better place to live. Most importantly, we must seek to maintain our freedoms, our families, our rights of worship, and encourage our government leaders to do the same.
We must do this on our own--The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will not choose political candidates or parties for us. The Church is neutral when it comes to politics--but it does strongly encourage its members to get involved. The Church website makes clear in this statement that the Church avoids weighing in on political matters when at all possible. "The Church does not endorse political parties or candidates, nor does it permit the use of its buildings for political purposes. The Church does not participate in politics unless there is a moral question at issue, in which case the Church will often speak out." Most recently, the Church has spoken out against legalizing same-sex marriage in order to preserve the sanctity of the traditional family.
To read the recent letter from Church leaders to members of the Church on political participation, click here. To read the Church statement on "The Divine Institution of Marriage" (why the Church opposes same-sex marriage) click here.
In addition to the twelfth article of faith, the Doctrine and Covenants of the Church also discuss the role of government. "We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. . . ." (D&C 134:1).
Latter-day Saints believe that God gave men freedom and that such freedom should be protected by the government. With this God-given freedom comes responsibility. We, as citizens, are responsible for electing wise and righteous leaders who will preserve our freedoms and enact laws to protect individuals, families, and society. Such an effort requires both education and action on our behalf. We must learn and study the issues of the day. We must seek to know who the candidates are and what ideals they represent. We must become active in civic affairs and to make the world a better place to live. Most importantly, we must seek to maintain our freedoms, our families, our rights of worship, and encourage our government leaders to do the same.
We must do this on our own--The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will not choose political candidates or parties for us. The Church is neutral when it comes to politics--but it does strongly encourage its members to get involved. The Church website makes clear in this statement that the Church avoids weighing in on political matters when at all possible. "The Church does not endorse political parties or candidates, nor does it permit the use of its buildings for political purposes. The Church does not participate in politics unless there is a moral question at issue, in which case the Church will often speak out." Most recently, the Church has spoken out against legalizing same-sex marriage in order to preserve the sanctity of the traditional family.
To read the recent letter from Church leaders to members of the Church on political participation, click here. To read the Church statement on "The Divine Institution of Marriage" (why the Church opposes same-sex marriage) click here.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Atonement of Jesus Christ
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worship Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and as our Savior and Redeemer.We believe that Christ came to live on Earth to (1) provide a perfect example of how to live, (2) atone for our sins, (3) die for us, and (4) live again through the resurrection.
Jesus of Nazareth lived a perfect and sin-free life. He taught us how to love God and our fellow men. He instructed us to keep the commandments, serve and love others, and to forgive others their faults. He lived these teachings and showed us by example how we should live and how we can return and live with Him and the Father again after this life. But He is more than a great teacher and perfect example--He is also our Savior from our sins.
In order to return and live again with God, we must be completely free from sin ("no unclean thing can dwell with God" 1 Nephi 10:21). Unfortunately, none of us are free from sin. We are all imperfect. Therefore, without a Savior to pay the price for our sins and make us clean, we cannot return to live with God. Jesus Christ is that Savior.
He suffered for all our sins, weaknesses, sicknesses, and faults (Alma 7:11-12). He paid the terrible price for us. This occurred as Jesus suffered and died on the Cross at Calvary. All that He asks in return is that we believe in Him and follow Him. This requires that we have faith, repent of our sins (i.e., changing our sinful ways), be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost, and keep all His commandments. This is not always easy, but with God's help, we can do it.
If we have faith, repent, and keep his commandments, then will his grace save us from our sins. We can be made clean and feel peace and love in our hearts, knowing that we will be saved from both sin and death. I testify that His mercy is abundant and will fill our hearts with immeasurable joy. He is waiting to extend His grace and mercy to us, if we will but have faith and repent of our sins.
To learn more about the atonement of Jesus Christ, click here. The painting used in this post of Jesus Christ in Gethsemane is used courtesy of http://www.lds.org/.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost
The first Article of Faith for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints states "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."
Latter-day Saints believe that although one in purpose and unity, the three persons in the Godhead are distinct and separate from one another. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ have physical bodies of flesh and bone. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit, which allows him to dwell in our hearts and witness the truthfulness of the gospel.
Each member of the Godhead has specific roles. The Father and the Holy Ghost bear witness of the Son. Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost bear witness of the Father. The Holy Ghost bears witness to us of the truthfulness of all things. All three in the Godhead are "one" in purpose. Just as the Godhead are "one" in unity, we too may be "one" with them. When Christ prayed to the Father in John 17, He prayed that all those who believe in Him would "be one, as thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us." (John 17:21).
This belief differs from Protestant and Catholic teachings, who believe that the persons in the Godhead are not separate--but instead, are three persons in one. We believe that the true nature and character of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost was one of the principles lost during the Great Apostasy (the falling away of the truth following the death of Christ and His apostles). The truth regarding the Godhead was revealed in latter-days primarily through the visitation of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820.
For further reading on this important doctrinal topic, click here for a message by President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008), former President of the Church.
Latter-day Saints believe that although one in purpose and unity, the three persons in the Godhead are distinct and separate from one another. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ have physical bodies of flesh and bone. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit, which allows him to dwell in our hearts and witness the truthfulness of the gospel.
Each member of the Godhead has specific roles. The Father and the Holy Ghost bear witness of the Son. Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost bear witness of the Father. The Holy Ghost bears witness to us of the truthfulness of all things. All three in the Godhead are "one" in purpose. Just as the Godhead are "one" in unity, we too may be "one" with them. When Christ prayed to the Father in John 17, He prayed that all those who believe in Him would "be one, as thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us." (John 17:21).
This belief differs from Protestant and Catholic teachings, who believe that the persons in the Godhead are not separate--but instead, are three persons in one. We believe that the true nature and character of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost was one of the principles lost during the Great Apostasy (the falling away of the truth following the death of Christ and His apostles). The truth regarding the Godhead was revealed in latter-days primarily through the visitation of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820.
For further reading on this important doctrinal topic, click here for a message by President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008), former President of the Church.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Priesthood
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by Jesus Christ through apostles and prophets. These are righteous men who are called of God and given the priesthood. Not only are leaders of the Church given the priesthood, but all worthy male members of the Church may receive the priesthood by proper ordination by the laying on of hands by one who has authority.
The priesthood is the power and authority given to man to act in God's name for the salvation of His children. Through the priesthood we receive the ordinances of salvation. The priesthood can also be used for blessings of comfort, healing, and counsel.
The priesthood is the power and authority given to man to act in God's name for the salvation of His children. Through the priesthood we receive the ordinances of salvation. The priesthood can also be used for blessings of comfort, healing, and counsel.There are two priesthoods in the Church today, the Aaronic Priesthood (or preparatory priesthood) and the Melchizedek Priesthood (or higher priesthood). Although the priesthood was lost following the death of Christ and His apostles, the priesthood was restored in 1829 when John the Baptist appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood. Peter, James, and John later conferred upon them the Melchizedek Priesthood, which they had received from Jesus Christ. This priesthood, directly from Jesus Christ, is the priesthood in the Church today.
It is a tremendous blessing to be a man who receives the priesthood. He enters a covenant to fulfill sacred duties, serve others, and help build up the Church. Exercising the priesthood should only be done in love, righteousness, and patience. Through the power of the priesthood, men may bless and serve their families.
I am grateful to hold the priesthood of God. It is a sacred responsibility to be able to act in God's name for the benefit of His children. It has blessed my family and I in countless ways.
The painting used in this post depicts Christ's ancient apostles--Peter, James, and John, conferring the Melchizedek Priesthood upon the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Use of the image is courtesy of www.lds.org. To learn more about the Priesthood, click here.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Worship Services
Sunday worship services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are open to all individuals and families. Visitors are welcome to attend any services of the Church, regardless of their religious background or faith.
Latter-day Saint worship services are three hours long and are roughly divided into three one-hour segments. The first hour is the sacrament service. This meeting is the most important of the three and is centered on the taking of the sacrament. This sacrament (or communion) is the eating of bread (representing Jesus' body) and drinking of water (representing Jesus' blood) to remember the sacrifice and atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Following the partaking of the sacrament, speakers from the congregation address the audience on specific doctrinal topics that were previously assigned to them. There are only lay ministers in the Church. Therefore, there is no paid clergy that regularly address the congregation. Every member of the Church is expected to help contribute to the services.
Latter-day Saint worship services are three hours long and are roughly divided into three one-hour segments. The first hour is the sacrament service. This meeting is the most important of the three and is centered on the taking of the sacrament. This sacrament (or communion) is the eating of bread (representing Jesus' body) and drinking of water (representing Jesus' blood) to remember the sacrifice and atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Following the partaking of the sacrament, speakers from the congregation address the audience on specific doctrinal topics that were previously assigned to them. There are only lay ministers in the Church. Therefore, there is no paid clergy that regularly address the congregation. Every member of the Church is expected to help contribute to the services.The second hour is Sunday School services. Sunday School classes for youth and adults focus on teaching from the scriptures. Teachers are "called" to assist in leading the conversations. Members of the Church share experiences, insights, and testimony to uplift and teach one another.
The third hour is divided between the Relief Society and Priesthood meetings. The Relief Society is the womens organization of the Church. It is focused on serving others and building charity, love, and sisterhood. The Priesthood meetings are for all adult and youth males of the Church. Priesthood groups focus on service to promote love, self-reliance, and assiting men on becoming better husbands and fathers. During the third hour, the men and women separate to attend their respective meetings. These meetings discuss how the organizations can serve others in need and on discussing the teachings of the modern-day prophets.
For children, Primary and Nursery classes are held during the second and third hours of church services. In these classes, children sing, play, learn about Jesus, and conduct fun activities.
Members and visitors dress in their "Sunday best" when attending church services. This typically means suits for the men and dresses or skirts for the women. Although everyone is welcome to attend regardless of their apparel.
In addition, music is an integral part of our worship. Hymns are frequently sung by the congregation to help us remember and feel of the love of God and to remind us of our obligation to love others and to obey God's commandments.
To locate a Latter-day Saint worship service near you, click on the link here. My family and I have been greatly blessed from our church attendance. We love the feeling of unity within the congregation and the feelings of peace and love that come from worshipping God and His Son with fellow members of the Church and visitors in attendance. I invite everyone to "come and see" Latter-day Saint worship services for themselves.
To learn more about what to expect at LDS worship services, click here. The photo used in this post is of the Cambridge Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cambridge, MA. Courtesy of http://www.lds.org/.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Families
Latter-day Saints believe families are ordained of God. We believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. We are encouraged to get married, have children, and to rear our children in love and righteousness.
Latter-day Saints believe in abstinence before marriage and complete fidelity during marriage. During marriage, spouses are equal partners and should always treat each other with care, love, and respect. Both husbands and wives have responsibilities in the family and are obligated to help one another raise a family. As families, we should teach our children the commandments, teach them to be good citizens, and work, play, worship, and laugh together. Families are the fundamental unit of society, and should be protected by government leaders, employers, educators, and society at large. Families enjoy a unique role in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormons believe that families are not only important to our development here on earth, but that God has prepared a way for families to live together forever throughout all eternity.
This doctrine of "eternal families" teaches us that if we keep the commandments of God and receive special ordinances in the holy temple, we can live together in heaven as families. The sacred ordinance binding families for eternity is called the "sealing" ordinance. Any member of the Church in good standing (is worthy) may go to the temple to receive this gospel ordinance.
I am grateful for my own little family and the love and strength they give to me. Unspeakable joy and happiness come through raising a family and facing life's difficulties together. I believe that we will be together forever because of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
To read the full statement of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' doctrine on families, click here. To learn more about how families can be together forever, click here.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)