77 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.
79 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine 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.
A few years ago I was teaching a Sunday school and we were talking about the sacrament. We talked about who had instituted the first sacrament. In both the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, we can read about the great love our Savior had as he taught his disciples about this ordinance. In 3 Nephi 18:4 it says, "And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude." The Sacrament is a gift that has been given us directly from our Savior, through his disciples, and through them to the young men who administer this ordinance each week. As we discussed this concept, we came to the understanding that through this direct link, each of those young men are acting in the Savior's stead. as they prepare, bless and pass the sacrament.
Does this give you a different perspective as the sacrament is handed to you each week? Think about the fact that each of those young men are acting as proxy in delivering this gift from our Savior. It is his gift. They, through their priesthood power, act in his stead. When they say the words to these sacred prayers out loud, they are appealing to our Heavenly Father for us. These words are not just something to listen to. They should be the words of our hearts each time we have the opportunity to hear them.
My oldest son turned 16 this last year. It has brought me even more appreciation as I have the opportunity to listen to these sacred words being delivered through his mouth. My second son participates in preparing the sacrament and he and my 3rd son help to pass the sacrament each week. How grateful I am that I have 3 sons that recognize the privilege of helping with the sacrament, and I hope that I never take for granted the words of these prayers and all that they mean.
Love, Sis. Norris
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