What can you do while waiting for the bread and water?
The sacrament is so much more than eating bread and drinking water. It’s when we can recommit ourselves to the covenants we made at baptism, but it’s also a sacred time when we can reflect on where we are on our path back to God and how we can be more like His Son, Jesus Christ.
What do you do while waiting during the sacred time of the sacrament ordinance? How could you use that time to become more like the Savior? Here are some ideas.
1. Reflect on the hymns
What gems of truth can you find in the sacrament hymn you’ve just finished singing?
“The music of the gospel is the joyful spiritual feeling that comes from the Holy Ghost. It brings a change of heart,” said Elder Wilford W. Andersen (“The Music of the Gospel,” April 2015 general conference).
Reflecting on these hymns is a great way to learn about our Savior’s love for us.
Give it a try—listen to “The Music of the Gospel.”
2. Ponder the scriptures
How can we get the most out of scripture study? Elder Richard G. Scott gives counsel in “Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority.”
Don’t know where to start? Try studying these scriptures during sacrament meeting.
Take time to record spiritual impressions you receive during the sacrament.
“Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in a time of need,” said Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “Spiritually sensitive information should be kept in a sacred place that communicates to the Lord how you treasure it. That practice enhances the likelihood of your receiving further light” (“Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge,” October 1993 general conference).
4. Count your blessings
The Atonement of Jesus Christ strengthens us no matter what stage of life we’re in. Reflect on and give thanks for the blessings the Atonement has made available to you.
Find out how the Atonement helps us be grateful amid trials in President Nelson’s talk “The Atonement.”
5. Set goals to go forward with faith
The Atonement is all about change. Set goals to apply what you’ve learned about the Savior during the sacrament and follow through with them.
How does the Atonement help us change? Read President Uchtdorf’s talk “Are You Sleeping through the Restoration?”
6. Remember the symbolism
Think about the symbolism found within each ordinance and how these symbols point us to the Atonement. Before church on Sunday, listen to what Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles says about the symbols of the sacrament and why our principle task is to remember.
Discover how the sacred symbols of the sacrament can change your life—read “The Sacrament and the Atonement.”