Moroni 4-5: The Sacrament Prayers

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 198

Elder David B. Haight, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, “Our most valuable worship experience in the sacrament meeting is the sacred ordinance of the sacrament, for it provides the opportunity to focus our minds and hearts upon the Savior and His sacrifice” (in Conference Report, Sept.–Oct. 1989, 75; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, 61). It is fitting that Moroni felt impressed to include the sacrament prayers in his record.

Understanding the Scriptures

Moroni 4

Administering (v. 1)Preparing and serving officially
Sanctify (v. 3)Make holy, purify

Moroni 5

Moroni 5:1—The Sacrament

Speaking to the young men of the Church, Elder Robert D. Hales, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said:

“You young deacons, teachers, and priests: Are you worthy to officiate in the preparation, passing, and blessing of the sacrament? These are sacred responsibilities. The bread and water are emblems of our Savior’s flesh and blood; they represent His atoning sacrifice.

priests blessing sacrament

“Think of that for a moment. The sacrament that you administer each week is in remembrance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The wondrous gift of the Atonement overcomes physical death unconditionally, and it is infinite because it is for all who have lived or will ever live in mortality. Through the Atonement, we are all redeemed from the Fall of Adam and will be resurrected.

“However, for the full blessings of the Atonement to take effect in our lives and allow us to return to live with our Heavenly Father, we must repent of our sins and be faithful in obeying the commandments of God. Thus, the redemptive blessings of repentance and forgiveness are an important part of the Atonement, but they are conditional upon our faithfulness in obeying the commandments and the ordinances of God.

“Oh, how the Lord blesses worthy bearers of the Aaronic Priesthood who bless and pass the sacrament to faithful members of the Church in His memory! And how He blesses those who partake of the sacrament worthily!” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 50; or Ensign, May 1996, 35–36).

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Moroni 4–5.

Activity A iconRemember the Covenant

When we partake of the sacrament we renew the covenants we made at baptism. Carefully read the sacrament prayers in Moroni 4:3 and 5:2, and then answer the following questions:

  1. 1.

    What promises do you make to God when you partake of the sacrament?

  2. 2.

    What are the blessings the Lord promises those who keep their covenants?

  3. 3.

    What is one goal you can set to help you keep the covenants you renew during the sacrament?

Official Web site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
© 2013 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All Rights Reserved