Bible Dictionary, "Sabbath," pages 764-765
And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day. (D&C 59:9)
As you read Section 59, think about these questions
- Why do you think it is important to meet together to worship God on the Sabbath?
- What can you do to prepare yourself for Sunday meeting?
- Why is it important to partake of the sacrament each week?
- What does it mean to rest from our labors? How does resting from our labors show our devotion to God? (D&C 59:10)
President John Taylor said: "To serve the Lord, is one of the great objects of our existence; and I appreciate as a great privilege the opportunity we enjoy of worshipping God on the Sabbath day. And when we do meet to worship God, I like to see us worship him with all our hearts. I think it altogether out of place on such occasions to hear people talk about secular things; these are times, above all others perhaps, when our feelings and affections should be drawn out toward God. If we sing praises to God, let us do it in the proper spirit; if we pray, let every soul be engaged in prayer, doing it with all our hearts, that through our union our spirits may be blended in one, that our prayers and our worship may be available with God, whose Spirit permeates all things, and is always present in the assemblies of good and faithful Saints."
My favorite verse was verse 9. I love how it begins "And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world" I love the feelings I have after attending church on Sunday. I come away wanting to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ. My testimony is strengthened. I feel stronger and better prepared to face temptation. I am reminded of the covenants I have made. I feel the spirit.
3 comments:
I read section 50 and then the pages in the bible dictionary and couldn't figure out what they have to do with eachother. Then I looked at my study guide and realized that it was supposed to be section 59. :)
I liked in the BD where it says, "The exsistence of a weekly holy day is a most important safegaurd; it leaves a constant reminder to the individual of his need for spiritual sustenance..."
I think that I could do more to prepare for the Sabbath. We used to let the kids watch TV; but we have stopped and I have noticed their reverance level go up. I try to put on primary songs or soft music to help bring the spirit in. I think that I ought to study a little more and pray a little more -- and if I did this, then my sabbath would be better.
The verse that stuck out to me in section 59 was verse 2 - "...and those that die shall rest from all their labors, and their works shall follow them; and they shall receive a crown in the mansions of my Father, which I have prepared for them." I'm not sure why this scipture stuck out to me today, but I felt the spirit testify of the truthfulness of it as I read it.
I loved this section today. There were lots of parts that really spoke to me and answered my prayers.
In answer to the questions posed, it's important to meet on the Sabbath because we need regular and consistent recommitting to our covenants. And the opportunity to gain strength from the testimonies of others and to share our testimonies as well.
I really like how reading the section for the following Sunday makes it easier to feel a part of the lessons taught on Sunday. Especially for me, being in the Nursery, I can talk to my husband about the lessons and not feel clueless. Another way I prepare for Sunday's is by making sure the house is in order and conducive to the spirit, so that after church we are not rushing around to clean, we can fully enjoy the uplifting feelings church attendance brings.
Two of my favorite verses from this section are part of 8 and 9. I like how it mentions that a broken heart and a contrite spirit are sacrifices we can offer to the Lord and then in 9 it mentions that those are necessary to keep us unspotted from the world.
I also liked 21, "and in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who Confess not his hand in all things and obey not his commandments." Showing gratitude and acknowledging God's hand in all things brings us greater joy.
One scripture that makes me think more about Sabbath obervance is
The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
What I get from this, is that God does not need our worship to be God. We as people need this day to reconnect with God, our spirits, and renew our Covenants. When we don't observe the Sabbath we deny ourselves of a "spiritual spa day" where we rest and pamper our spirit.
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