Humble Souls at Altars Kneel
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by playing the hymn "Bread of Life, Living Water" and ask the class to reflect on the line "Now I come before the altar, off’ring Him my broken heart." Discuss what this phrase means to them personally.
- Share a personal experience or invite someone to share an experience about a time they felt the power of the sacrament or temple ordinances in their lives.
- Start with a brief discussion on the significance of altars in various religions and how they symbolize sacrifice and commitment.
- Show a picture of an altar and ask class members to share what emotions or thoughts come to mind when they see it.
- Read the story from the talk about the young boy's comment during a temple tour and discuss what "rest" means in the context of our spiritual journey.
Topics
Altar as a Symbol of Sacrifice
Elder Jaggi explained how altars have been used throughout religious history as symbols of sacrifice and devotion. He shared examples from the Bible and the Book of Mormon where prophets built altars to worship and make sacrifices to God. The sacrament table and temple altars today symbolize the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement.
The sacrament table and temple altars symbolize the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement.
- What does an altar symbolize to you personally?
- How does understanding the symbolism of the altar enhance your experience with the sacrament or in the temple?
- Why do you think altars have been a significant part of worship throughout history?
- How can we apply the concept of sacrifice in our daily lives?
- What are some modern-day "altars" where we can offer our sacrifices to the Lord?
Covenants Bring Mercy and Protection
Elder Jaggi emphasized the importance of making and keeping covenants, which bind us to the Savior and provide us with mercy, protection, and spiritual strength. He shared personal experiences and counsel from his father about the importance of consistently partaking of the sacrament.
When we worship the Savior, we receive "power to go against the natural worldly flow."
- What are some ways you have felt protected by keeping your covenants?
- How does partaking of the sacrament strengthen your relationship with the Savior?
- Why is consistency in attending church and partaking of the sacrament important?
- How can we help others understand the importance of covenants?
- What role do covenants play in your personal spiritual growth?
Reflection Leads to Sanctification
Elder Jaggi spoke about the importance of self-reflection and humility as we symbolically kneel at the altar. This reflection, especially during the sacrament, allows us to examine our lives and seek to align our will with God's, leading to sanctification through the Holy Ghost.
The ordinance of the sacrament is a holy and repeated invitation to repent sincerely and to be renewed spiritually.
- How can we better prepare ourselves for the sacrament each week?
- What does it mean to you to have a "broken heart and a contrite spirit"?
- How does self-reflection help us become more like Christ?
- What are some ways you can create more meaningful moments of reflection in your life?
- How has the sacrament helped you in your journey of sanctification?
Altars as Places of Healing and Rest
Elder Jaggi described altars as places where we learn about the Gift Giver and receive healing and rest. He shared personal stories and teachings from President Nelson about the peace and rest that come from making covenants with God.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
- What does "rest" mean to you in a spiritual context?
- How have you found healing through the Savior's Atonement?
- What are some ways we can help others find rest and healing at the Savior's altar?
- How can we make our homes places of spiritual rest?
- What role does the temple play in providing rest and healing in your life?
Understanding the Gift of Jesus Christ
Elder Jaggi shared insights into the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who took upon Himself the "bitter cup" for all of us. This understanding helps us lay our burdens at the altar and be sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
Because Jesus took of the bitter cup of trembling, the cup of fury—for me, for my family, for all of us!
- How does the Savior's sacrifice influence your daily life?
- What are some burdens you have laid at the Savior's altar?
- How can we better understand and appreciate the gift of the Atonement?
- What does it mean to you to be sanctified by the Holy Ghost?
- How can we help others feel the Savior's love and sacrifice in their lives?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we ensure our hearts are truly broken and contrite when we partake of the sacrament?
- What are some practical ways to remember our covenants throughout the week?
- How can we teach children the importance of covenants and altars?
- What are some challenges you face in keeping your covenants, and how do you overcome them?
- How does the concept of sacrifice apply to your personal worship?
- In what ways can we prepare ourselves to receive more fully the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost?
- How does understanding the symbolism of the altar change your perspective on the sacrament?
- What are some ways we can create a personal 'altar' in our homes?
- How can we support each other in our journey to find healing and rest in Christ?
- How does the story of Aslan in Narnia help us understand the Savior's Atonement?
