Six Talks to Help You Better Understand the Sacrament


As as child, I remember looking for and picking the biggest piece of bread in each sacrament tray that passed me. As a youth, I looked forward to the sacrament because it gave me some quiet time to sort my thoughts and reflect on the previous day's game. Making sure my mind and heart are in the proper place has always been a struggle for me, even now, as most Sundays I am trying to wrangle my three kids and make sure they are quiet and reverent during the week's most sacred minutes. However, I have found that when I am prepared, focused, and willing, the few fleeting moments of the weekly sacrament can bring strength and peace and make my Sabbath Day holy. Here are six talks that can help us understand and get more out of the sacramental time we have each week.

The Sacrament—a Renewal for the Soul — Sister Cheryl A. Esplin
"A group of young women once asked me, “What do you wish you had known when you were our age?” If I were to answer that question now, I would include this thought: “I wish when I was your age I had understood the significance of the sacrament better than I did... As we partake of the sacrament, we witness to God that we will remember His Son always, not just during the brief sacrament ordinance. This means that we will constantly look to the Savior’s example and teachings to guide our thoughts, our choices, and our acts."
Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament — Elder Dallin H. Oaks
"...When we join in the solemnity that should always accompany the ordinance of the sacrament and the worship of this meeting—we are qualified for the companionship and revelation of the Spirit. This is the way we get direction for our lives and peace along the way."
The Sacrament—and the Sacrifice — Elder David B. Haight
Our most valuable worship experience in the sacrament meeting is the sacred ordinance of the sacrament, for it provides the opportunity to focus our minds and hearts upon the Savior and His sacrifice."
Blessings of the Sacrament — Elder Don R. Clarke
"The sacramental prayers are a reminder of these covenants. When we partake of the sacrament, we renew our commitment to live up to these covenants. I believe it would be appropriate to memorize the sacramental prayers in our minds and in our hearts. This will help us focus on renewing our baptismal covenants. Whether we were 8 or 80 years old when we were baptized, I hope we will never forget that day and the covenants we made."
Thoughts on the Sacrament — President Howard W. Hunter
"I was troubled. I asked myself this question: “Do I place God above all other things and keep all of His commandments?” Then came reflection and resolution. To make a covenant with the Lord to always keep His commandments is a serious obligation, and to renew that covenant by partaking of the sacrament is equally serious. The solemn moments of thought while the sacrament is being served have great significance. They are moments of self-examination, introspection, self-discernment—a time to reflect and to resolve."
“This Do in Remembrance of Me" — Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
"With so very much at stake, this ordinance commemorating our escape from the angel of darkness should be taken more seriously than it sometimes is. It should be a powerful, reverent, reflective moment. It should encourage spiritual feelings and impressions. As such it should not be rushed. It is not something to “get over” so that the real purpose of a sacrament meeting can be pursued. This is the real purpose of the meeting. And everything that is said or sung or prayed in those services should be consistent with the grandeur of this sacred ordinance."



Andrew Devey is a content marketing and social media manager in Salt Lake City. He graduated from BYU with a degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations. He is also a sports junkie and dessert connoisseur. He is part Texan by marriage, but still longs for Big Sky Country, where he served his mission. He is married to Lisa, and what he loves most is being the father to his son and twin girls.