Humble Souls at Altars Kneel
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Understanding the Importance of Altars
Elder Jaggi discusses the historical and spiritual significance of altars, both in ancient times and in modern worship. Altars serve as a place of sacrifice, reflection, and covenant making, symbolizing the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
The sacrament table and temple altars symbolize the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement.
Our first parents, Adam and Eve, built and worshipped at altars.Key Points:
- Altars are a place of sacrifice and covenant making.
- They symbolize the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
- Historical figures like Abraham and Lehi used altars to worship God.
- Share a personal experience where you felt the power of the Atonement in your life.
- Describe a time when participating in the sacrament or temple ordinances brought you closer to God.
- Reflect on a moment when you pondered the significance of altars in your personal worship.
Gaining Mercy and Protection Through Covenants
Elder Jaggi emphasizes the protective power of covenants made at holy altars. By keeping our covenants, we receive strength and protection from the adversary, drawing closer to the Savior.
When we worship the Savior, we receive "power to go against the natural worldly flow."
As we make covenants with the Lord, a reciprocal relationship forms.Key Points:
- Covenants provide spiritual protection and strength.
- The adversary seeks to separate us from sacred places and covenants.
- A reciprocal relationship with the Lord is formed through covenant keeping.
- Recall a time when keeping a covenant provided you with strength or protection.
- Share an experience where you felt the adversary's influence but overcame it through covenant keeping.
- Discuss how making and keeping covenants has changed your life.
Reflecting and Finding Sanctification
Elder Jaggi invites us to use altar experiences as moments of reflection and sanctification. Through sincere repentance and participation in sacred ordinances, we can retain a remission of our sins and feel the Spirit's companionship.
The ordinance of the sacrament is a holy and repeated invitation to repent sincerely and to be renewed spiritually.
The act of partaking of the sacrament, in and of itself, does not remit sins.Key Points:
- Altar experiences allow for personal reflection and sanctification.
- Sincere repentance and sacrament participation bring spiritual renewal.
- The Holy Ghost helps us retain a remission of sins.
- Describe a time when personal reflection at the sacrament table led to spiritual growth.
- Share how regular participation in the sacrament has impacted your spiritual life.
- Reflect on a moment when you felt sanctified and renewed through repentance.
Healing and Rest at the Altar
Elder Jaggi explains that altars are places where we learn about the Savior and receive healing and rest. Through the Atonement, Jesus Christ offers us peace and relief from life's burdens.
When we come to the altar, we aren’t earning a reward; we are learning about the Gift Giver.
Jesus Christ heals all wounds. Jesus Christ makes it possible to live again.Key Points:
- Altars are places of learning about the Savior and receiving healing.
- The Atonement provides peace and relief from burdens.
- Jesus Christ offers rest to those who come unto Him.
- Share a personal story of finding peace through the Atonement.
- Reflect on a time when you felt the Savior's healing power in your life.
- Discuss how coming to the altar has helped you find rest and relief.
The Role of Altars in Spiritual Growth
Elder Jaggi highlights the role of altars in fostering spiritual growth and connection with God. By kneeling at altars, we humble ourselves and draw closer to the Savior, gaining insight and strength for our journey.
When "humble souls at altars kneel," peace abounds.
Our Savior’s arms are outstretched; His table is spread.Key Points:
- Altars help us humble ourselves and connect with God.
- Kneeling at altars fosters spiritual growth and insight.
- The Savior invites us to find peace and strength at His altars.
- Reflect on a time when kneeling in prayer brought you closer to God.
- Share an experience of spiritual growth related to participating in temple ordinances.
- Discuss how altar experiences have strengthened your relationship with the Savior.
