One's involvement in sacrament meeting is more than attending, more than watching and listening, more than being treated to "a program."
Sacrament meetings are worship services, and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can make participation and preparation a part of their worship experiences each Sabbath.
Each sacrament meeting should be a spiritual experience for members — one that requires active involvement, not passive observation.
"Each member of the Church bears responsibility for the spiritual enrichment that can come from a sacrament meeting," said Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve in the June 2003 worldwide leadership training broadcast (his remarks were later adapted and published as "Worshipping at Sacrament Meeting" in the August 2004 Ensign).
"Each should sing with a grateful heart and respond with an audible 'amen' at the conclusion of a prayer or a testimony. We personally ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We reflect upon the significance of His suffering at Gethsemane and His crucifixion on Calvary. At this time, each of us is to 'examine himself' (1 Corinthians 11:28) and reflect upon personal covenants made with the Lord. At this time, we meditate upon the sacred things of God."
Preparation enhances participation, and the Brethren have encouraged families and members to arrive well before sacrament meeting begins.
"Those participating should be seated at least five minutes before the meeting begins so they can be spiritually prepared for a worshipful experience," Elder Nelson said. "During that quiet interval, prelude music is subdued. This is not a time for conversation or transmission of messages but a period of prayerful meditation as leaders and members prepare spiritually for the sacrament."
He added: "Some in the congregation are praying for delicate promptings and communication from heaven. Establishing a spirit of reverence will help them receive those promptings. Remember: reverence invites revelation."
A prepared sacrament table — accompanied by seated priesthood officiators — and the playing of prelude music well before members arrive establish and maintain an orderly, worshipful environment.
When priesthood leaders are on the stand before sacrament meeting, members respect their example and their preparation efforts by not approaching them with last-minute information or donation envelopes. Announcements and business items can be communicated either earlier that day or in previous days, and donations can be made after the meeting.
Members respect the spiritual sanctuary of the chapel setting, being mindful of others' preparations and worshipping. A gathering of the saints can become a social occasion where people enthusiastically greet each other; however, chatter and conversation are best kept outside the chapel before and after worship services.
Ironically, some people who are adamant about not missing the opening moments of sporting or entertainment events seem less concerned about arriving late at sacrament
meetings, coming in after hymns, prayers or even the sacrament ordinance.
Arriving early allows members to be directed by the Spirit as they contemplate the Sabbath, the sacrament and the Savior. Unforeseen circumstances sometimes result in an unplanned late arrival, but effort and commitment help keep one from being habitually tardy — so as not to miss out on sacred moments of spiritual preparation nor the meeting itself.
Preparation for and participation in sacrament meetings allow appropriate reflection and meditation, which in turn promote reverence and revelation. The result is not only a promised setting for spiritual experiences on the Sabbath but a Spirit of sustaining throughout the week.
