Saturday, March 19, 2016

The Sacrament (The Lord's Supper)

Source

History of the Sacrament
1. "On the night before His Crucifixion, Jesus Christ met with His Apostles and instituted the sacrament. “He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19–20). After His Resurrection, He instituted the sacrament among the Nephites (see 3 Nephi 18:1–11)" (True to the Faith).

2. "For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins" (D&C 27:2).

Q What does the sacrament mean to you?

Q Why did Jesus Christ perform the atonement? How do we remember His sacrifice with the sacrament?

Covenants and Blessings Renewed

Bread (D&C 20:77)
Water (D&C 20:79)
O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it,

that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son,

and witness 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 commandments which he has given them;

that they may always have his Spirit to be with them.  Amen. 
O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this [water] 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.

Q In day to day living, how do we remember Jesus Christ? Take His name upon us? Keep His commandments?
  •  Put Jesus Christ first in our lives and follow His example and teachings as we make decisions
  •  Serve others, share the gospel and our testimonies, and help others to live the gospel
  • Follow prophets and apostles instead of other worldly voices or trends
  • Keep the Holy Ghost with us and follow His promptings


Q What is the significance of the word "willing"?

Q How does the church help us to keep this covenant?

Q What blessings have come as you have regularly partaken of the sacrament and kept this covenant?

3. "In partaking of the sacrament and making these commitments, you renew your baptismal covenant (see Mosiah 18:8–10; D&C 20:37). You receive great blessings when you keep the baptismal covenant. As you renew it, the Lord renews the promised remission of your sins. Cleansed from sin, you are able to “always have his Spirit to be with [you]” (D&C 20:77)" (True to the Faith).

4. "Nothing in this life is of greater worth than the supernal gift of the Holy Ghost. It is the source of joy, peace, knowledge, strength, love, and every other good thing. With the Atonement, it is the power by which we may be changed and made strong where we are weak. With the priesthood, it is the power by which marriages and families are sealed together eternally. It is the power by which the Lord makes Himself manifest unto those who believe in Him. Every good thing depends on getting and keeping the power of the Holy Ghost in our lives. Everything depends on that" (Lawrence E. Corbridge, General Conference October 2008).

Getting More Out of the Sacrament
Q What can we do to get more out of the sacrament?

Q Where can we direct our thoughts to get more out of the Sacrament? How does dismissing worldly thoughts help us to get more out of the Sacrament?

Q How does faith in and gratitude for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ help us to get more out of the sacrament?

Q What does it mean to have a broken heart and a contrite spirit? How does having this help us to get more out of the sacrament?

Q How does seeking the guidance of the Spirit for how we can improve help us to get more out of the sacrament?

Q What can we do to prepare to take the sacrament? How can this help us to get more out of the sacrament?

5. "In preparation for the sacrament each week, take time to examine your life and repent of your sins. You do not need to be perfect in order to partake of the sacrament, but you should have a spirit of humility and repentance in your heart. Every week you should prepare for that sacred ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit (see 3 Nephi 9:20). If you approach the sacrament with the reverence and solemnity it deserves, it becomes a weekly opportunity for introspection, repentance, and rededication—a source of strength and a constant reminder of the Savior’s Atonement" (True to the Faith).

6. "When one who is repentant partakes of the sacrament with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, he or she becomes whole" (Randy D. Funk, October 2013 General Conference).

7. "During the sacrament... I have found that after I pray for forgiveness of sins, it is instructive for me to ask Heavenly Father, “Father, is there more?” When we are yielded and still, our minds can be directed to something more we may need to change—something that is limiting our capacity to receive spiritual guidance or even healing and help.


"For example, perhaps I have a carefully guarded resentment toward someone. When I ask if there is more to confess, that “secret” comes clearly to my memory. In essence, the Holy Ghost is whispering, “You honestly asked if there was more, and here it is. Your resentment diminishes your progress and damages your ability to have healthy relationships. You can let this go.” Oh, it is hard work—we may feel quite justified in our animosity—but yielding to the Lord’s way is the only way to lasting happiness. In time and by degrees, we receive His gracious strength and direction.... 

"The healing of our heart begins when we submit to and worship God.... With a growing understanding of the Lord’s grace and mercy, we will find that our self-willed hearts begin to crack and break in gratitude" (Neill F. Marriott, October 2015 General Conference).  
A modern day apostle, Elder Holland gives many suggestions how to get more out of the Sacrament, which you can watch or read here.
Please share your testimony of the principles covered in this lesson or share a favorite scripture or quote that wasn't included.

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