Lesson: April 2011 Conference Talk, L. Tom Perry,
The Sabbath and the SacramentInstructor: Sister Colbert
Disciples: Examples of Believers
- In Word
- In Conversation
- In Charity
- In Spirit
- In Faith
- In Purity
Quote #1: "It is a glorious thing to be a Christian and to live as a true disciple of Christ. Of us He said, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” 10 To keep ourselves unspotted from the world, He expects us to avoid such worldly distractions of businesses and recreational facilities on the Sabbath day. I believe He also desires us to dress appropriately. Our youth may think the old saying “Sunday best” is outdated. Still, we know that when Sunday dress deteriorates to everyday attire, attitudes and actions follow. Of course, it may not be necessary for our children to wear formal Sunday attire until the sun goes down. However, by the clothing we encourage them to wear and the activities we plan, we help them prepare for the sacrament and enjoy its blessings throughout the day."
Quote #2: "Brothers and sisters, in the latter days the adversary succeeds when we relax our commitment to the Savior, ignore His teachings in the New Testament and other scripture, and cease to follow Him. Parents, now is the time to teach our children to be examples of the believers by attending sacrament meeting. When Sunday morning arrives, help them to be well rested, properly dressed, and spiritually prepared to partake of the emblems of the sacrament and receive the enlightening, edifying, ennobling power of the Holy Ghost. Let your family be filled with love as you honor the Sabbath all day long and experience its spiritual blessings throughout the week. Invite your sons and daughters to “arise and shine forth” by keeping the Sabbath day holy, that “[their] light may be a standard for the nations.”
How do you personally prepare for the sacrament?
Sister Hansen shared some of her experiences of teaching her children to keep the sabbath day holy: Parent interviews on Sundays, Read scriptures daily (even on Sunday), Read New Era, Home Teaching, Not a play day...spend time together as a family, play hymns, limit electronics, watch Sunday related movies. She shared that they are always working to be better at each of these things.
Another Sister shared that none of us are perfect. We are always working towards being better. The key is working on consistency so your children know that is what happens each Sunday. The Lord will help with the rest as we continue to try!
Scriptures to consider:
Exodus 20: 8-11
D&C 59: 9-10
Matt 26: 26-28
What does the Lord require of us?
"As we consider the pattern of the Sabbath and the sacrament in our own lives, there appear to be three things the Lord requires of us: first, to keep ourselves unspotted from the world; second, to go to the house of prayer and offer up our sacraments; and third, to rest from our labors."
How do you keep the Sabbath Day Holy in your home?
Quote #3: "The pattern of Sabbath day observance must always include worship. After Adam and Eve entered mortality, they were commanded to “worship the Lord their God, and … offer the firstlings of their flocks [as] an offering unto the Lord … [in] similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father.” 4 The sacrifice of animals reminded Adam’s posterity that one day the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, would make a sacrifice of His own life for us."
Sister Sanderson also shared experiences of Sabbath Day observance in her home. She placed a picture of the Savior on the table each Saturday so her children knew that the next day would be Sunday. Kids helped with the cleaning on Saturday to prepare for Sunday. Each Sunday would have music like the Tabernacle Choir playing, rule of no studying on Sunday. She has found that her children have carried on with these same traditions.
What are some other ideas that help you and your family observe the Sabbath Day and prepare to take the Sacrament each Sunday? We would love to have you share some of them with us.
