Sitting, Pondering, Praying (a svithe)

.

Staying focused on the sacrament during the sacrament is often a challenge. Especially now with two kids. I thought today I would share something I used to do and wish was easier to still do.

I would open my scriptures to either D&C 20 or Moroni 5 and 6, then follow along with the prayers as they were read. Then, as the sacrament was passed, I would repray the sacrament prayers, more personally. Here are both versions of both prayers:

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, I ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to my soul as I partake of it, that I may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that I am willing to take upon myself the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given me; that I may always have his Spirit to be with me. 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.

O God, the Eternal Father, I ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this water to my soul as I drink of it, that I may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for me; that I may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that I do always remember him, that I may have his Spirit to be with me. Amen.

I found that reading through the prayers in this manner over and over as the sacrament was passed kept me focused on the sacrifice represented. Better than any other technique I've tried. Baby wrassling, inclusive.

last week's svithe