temple worship

Temple Worship: The source of strength and power in times of need (Richard G. Scott) & Be of good cheer (Pres. Thomas S. Monson)

► “The history of the church in this, the dispensation of the fullness of times, is replete with the experiences of those who have struggled and yet who have remained steadfast and of good cheer as they have made the gospel of Jesus Christ the CENTER of their lives. This attitude is what will pull us through whatever comes our way. It will not remove our troubles but rather will ENABLE us to face our challenges, to meet them head on, and to emerge victorious.” (Pres. Thomas S. Monson)
· Mosiah 2:6
· John 8:12 – light comes from the temple as we learn of Christ there
· “My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of Good Cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.” (Pres. Thomas S. Monson)

► “What I am trying to teach is that when we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously in order to maintain the blessings promised by those ordinances, then come what may, we have no reason to worry or to feel despondent.” (Richard G. Scott)
· Alma 27:28
· “It would be easy to become despondent and cynical about the future – or even fearful of what might come – if we allowed ourselves to dwell only on that which is wrong in the world and in our lives. Today, however, I’d like us to turn our thoughts and our attitudes away from the troubles around us and to focus on our blessings as members of the Church. The Apostle Paul declared, “God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (Pres. Thomas S. Monson)
· Where does that spirit come from? The temple.
· “None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges – and sometimes tragedies and misfortunes. After all, in large part we are here to learn and grow from such events in our lives. We know that there are times when we will suffer, when we will grieve, and when we will be saddened. However, we are told, “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.” How might we have joy in our lives, despite all that we may face? Again from the scriptures: “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and I will stand by you.” (Pres. Thomas S. Monson)
· Where do we find joy? Where do we accept the savior’s name and to have him with us? This is done through the endowment.
· 2 Nephi 9:18 – “I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our heavenly father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring us joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep his commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us.” (Pres. Thomas S. Monson)

► Sarah DeArmon Pea Rich – (his wife’s ancestor called to serve in Nauvoo before it was abandoned)- “Many were the blessings we had received in the house of the lord, which caused us joy and comfort in the midst of all our sorrows and enabled us to have faith in God, knowing He would guide us and sustain us in the unknown journey that lay before us. For if it had not been for the faith and knowledge that was bestowed upon us in that temple by the influence and help of the spirit of the lord, our journey would have been like taking a leap into the dark. To start out on such a journey in the winter as it were and in our state of poverty, it would seem like walking into the jaws of death. But we had faith in our Heavenly Father, and we put our trust in Him feeling that we were His chosen people and embraced his gospel, and instead of sorrow, we felt to rejoice that the day of our deliverance had come.” (Richard G. Scott)
· What is our winter, poverty or journey? (list answers in the board – if no response read below quote.)
o “Since last we met together in a general conference six months ago, there have been continuing signs that circumstances in the world aren’t necessarily what we would wish. The global economy, which six months ago appeared to be sagging, seems to have taken a nosedive, and for many weeks now the financial outlook has been somewhat grim. In addition, the moral footings of society continue to slip, while those who attempt to safeguard those footings are often ridiculed and at times, picketed and persecuted. Wars, natural disasters, and personal misfortunes continue to occur.” (Pres. Thomas S. Monson)
· While at the temple last week I was able to do incatories. And I had the thought as I listened to those marvelous blessings and promises that this is why were go to the temple before we are sealed, and have children. We need those blessings and promises to be able to even make it through motherhood and marriage. I sat there thinking (once again) why don’t I do incitories more often? I felt like the lord was reminding me “I blessed you with everything that you need to be the best wife and mother and to enable you to withstand all the trials that come with that. You just need to remember that you have them. Come more often so I can help you remember.” I walked out of there feeling renewed that I could do what he’s asked of me, because all that I’ve been needing and praying for were already there for my taking.

► “What is there that is more important than attending and participating in the ordinances of the temple? What activity could have a greater impact and provide more joy and profound happiness for a couple than worshipping together in the temple?” (Richard G. Scott)
· Have them list off all the things that are typical weekly, monthly, daily activities. Write them on the board. Can be done before reading above quote.
· I would guess that what ever bumps your temple trip. The dinner and a movie instead of sealing night. But nothing can answer the second question.

► “I have seen that many times individuals have made great sacrifices to go to a distant temple. But when a temple is built close by, within a short time, many do not visit it regularly. I have a suggestion: When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of the temple will be blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple.” …. “With careful planning and some sacrifice, the majority of members of the Church can receive the ordinances of the temple for themselves and for their ancestors and be blessed by the covenants made therein.” (Richard G. Scott)
· Are the blessings the same for those who sacrifice and those who don’t?
· John16:33 “How grateful I am for ancestors who had the faith to leave hearth and home and to journey to Zion, who made sacrifices I can scarcely imagine.” (Pres. Thomas S. Monson)
· Scriptures of Saviors on MT Zion – What sacrifices are we making to go to the house of the Lord and be their saviors? How grateful will they be that we sacrificed to go to the temple for them?
o Refer to the list on the board
· “Sometimes when I hear a choir during a temple dedicatory service, I experience a feeling so sublime that it elevates my heart and mind. I close my eyes, and more than once , in my mind, I have seen an inverted cone of individuals beginning at the temple and rising upward. I have felt that they represent many spirits waiting for the vicarious work to be done for them in that sanctuary, rejoicing because finally there is a place that can free them from the chains that hold them back in their eternal progress.” (Richard G. Scott)
· Do you rejoice in this – it frees us too?
If not a lot of time left ask for stories or testimonies of how the temple has sustained or how they have be blessed when sacrificing to go to the temple or even if they have had a time where they were drawn to the temple for those blessings or comfort in times of need.
How to Gain More from Your Temple Attendance

“Now I share some additional suggestions of how to gain more benefit from temple attendance.
· Understand the doctrine related to temple ordinances, especially the significance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
· While participating in temple ordinances, consider your relationship to Jesus Christ and his relationship to our Heavenly Father. This simple act will lead to greater understanding of the supernal nature of the temple ordinances.
· Always prayerfully express gratitude for the incomparable blessings that flow from temple ordinances. Live each day so as to give evidence to Father in Heaven and His beloved Son of how much those blessings mean to you.
· Schedule regular visits to the temple.
· Leave sufficient time to be unhurried within the temple walls.
· Rotate activities so that you can participate in all of the ordinances of the temple.
· Remove your watch when you enter a house of the Lord
· Listen carefully to the presentation of each element of the ordinance with an open mind and heart.
· Be mindful of the individual for whom you are performing the vicarious ordinances. At times pray that he or she will recognize the vital importance of the ordinances and be worthy to benefit from them.
· Recognize that much of the majesty of the sealing ordinances cannot be understood and remembered with one live experience. Substantial subsequent vicarious work permits one to understand much more of what is communicated in the live ordinances.
· Realize that a sealing ordinance is not enduring until after it is sealed by the holy spirit of promise. Both individuals must be worthy and want the sealing to be eternal.”
Richard G Scott (Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need -May 09)

Other items from Temple Prep can be helpful in improving visits:
· Reading the creation story in the Old Testament and pearl of great price.
· Studying the Atonement in the scriptures and Bible Dictionary
· Daily scripture study and prayer
· Read about the temple in talks, the scriptures, or books
· Fasting - before or during or both
· Learn about symbolism and what some of the most prominent mean
· Spend time in the celestial room afterwards or simply on the grounds
o Just like we should after prayers, don’t just end and leave, allow time for the spirit to speak with you while you ponder the teachings and promises of the temple.
· Doing the work for your own family names! (bonus: if you find them too)
o Learn more about those people beyond to necessary information.
· Come seeking the right questions to ask, rather than looking for answers to questions you already have in mind