From http://www.lds.org:
Write the word worship on the board and ask class members to write other words that are related next to it. Then make three columns with the words before, during,and after at the top of each column. What can we do before, during, and after church to worship the Lord on His holy day? Class members could read together Mosiah 18:17–29 and Moroni 6 for ideas. Invite members to ponder how their attitudes and actions on the Sabbath day are helping them worship the Lord on that day (see Exodus 31:16–17). What can we do to help improve the worship experience our families and ward members are having during Church meetings?
‘I confess that as a young boy, Sunday was not my favorite day. Grandfather shut down the action. We didn’t have any transportation. We couldn’t drive the car. He wouldn’t even let us start the motor. We couldn’t ride the horses, or the steers, or the sheep. It was the Sabbath, and by commandment, the animals also needed rest. We walked to Church and everywhere else we wanted to go. I can honestly say that we observed both the spirit and the letter of Sabbath worship.
By today’s standards, perhaps Grandfather’s interpretation of Sabbath day activities seems extreme, but something wonderful has been lost in our lives. To this day, I have been pondering to try to understand fully what has slipped away. Part of it was knowing that I was well on the Lord’s side of the line. Another part was the feeling that Satan’s influence was farther away. Mostly it was the reinforcement received by the spiritual power which was generated. We had the rich feeling that the spiritual “fulness of the earth” (D&C 59:16) was ours, as promised by the Lord in section 59 of the Doctrine and Covenants.’ (James E Faust, General Conference, October 1991)
How has society’s attitude to the Sabbath changed in recent years?
Why is it important for us to continue to honour the Sabbath? What are the blessings that can come to us as we do so?
‘What should I do and what should I not do on the Sabbath?
President Russell M. Nelson taught: “I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father. With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, ‘What sign do I want to give to God?’ That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear” (“The Sabbath Is a Delight,” April 2015 general conference).
What is the purpose of sacrament meeting?
Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught: “The ordinance of the sacrament makes the sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the Church. It is the only Sabbath meeting the entire family can attend together. Its content in addition to the sacrament should always be planned and presented to focus our attention on the Atonement and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ” (“Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament,” October 2008 general conference).’ (From LDS Topics – Sabbath Day)
How can President Nelson’s question ‘What sign do I want to give God?’ help us in our Sabbath day observance?
Why is it important for us to attend Sacrament meeting?
‘To worship God is to give Him our love, reverence, service, and devotion. The Lord commanded Moses, “Worship God, for him only shalt thou serve” (Moses 1:15). He has also commanded, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him” (D&C 59:5). Worship not only shows our love for God and commitment to Him, it gives us strength to keep His commandments. Through worship we grow in knowledge and faithfulness. If we place any person or thing above the love of God, we worship that thing or person. This is called idolatry (see Exodus 20:3–6).’ (From LDS Topics – Worship)
In what ways can we worship on the Sabbath day?
How can we prepare to worship?
How can we continue to worship once the three hour block is over?
The Sabbath Day
The Sabbath Day was made for man to rest from earthly care
To pay devotion unto God, and worship Him in prayer.
To treasure and to contemplate the wonder of His plan-
To ponder and appreciate each gift he gives to man.
The Sabbath is a holy day-a covenant with the Lord-
A symbol of obedience-to love and live his word.
As Saints united in His name, in fellowship and prayer-
We humbly show our gratitude and feel His tender care.
The Sabbath is a blessed day of faith in Christ, the Lord-
To share His gospel light and love-a beacon to the world!
We testify by how we live and keep the Sabbath pure-
Devotion to the Living God; we praise him evermore!
On Sabbath Day we consecrate our hearts and hands to God-
And willingly we kindly serve, and joy in doing good.
We promise through the sacrament our savior to revere-
And seek in faith each day to live to feel his presence near.
Text: Jed Crowther
Latter-day Bloke 