Lessons on the Temple
Lesson No. Eleven
Temple Worship and the Blessings which Follow
Temple worship – The dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple (D&C 109) was given to Joseph Smith by revelation. (See D&C 109 Headnote) This prayer introduces the concept of temple worship (D&C 109:14, 24) and the blessings which follow. These include, but are not limited, to the following:
A fullness of the Holy Ghost – “And do thou grant, Holy Father, that all those who shall worship in this house” that they “may grow up in thee and receive a fullness of the Holy Ghost” (Vs 14-15).
This is the only place in scripture that the phrase “a fullness of the Holy Ghost” is used. These are not idle words, and may best be understood by applying the principles of physics. Physics teach that a small increase in the diameter of a pipe or a conduit exponentially increases the volume that can flow through the conduit. The Holy Ghost is the conduit that spiritual gifts and powers flow into our lives. If we can increase the conduit of the Holy Ghost into our lives to a fullness the spiritual gifts and blessings that follow will spill over into every dimension of our lives.
Temple worship will bless us in our marriage, in our family, in raising our children, in our relationships with others, in our work and profession, in our studies, and in our callings. In short temple worship will bless us in every righteous responsibility and endeavor of our lives.
Photographs of the Kirtland Temple:
Eternal families are organized in the temple – “and be organized according to thy laws, and be prepared to obtain every needful thing” (Vs 15). The basic fundamental unit of the Church, both in heaven and on earth, is the family. Only in the temple are families organized for time and eternity. Through the eternal family we receive the greatest of all blessings, that of exaltation.
The temple is a house of prayer (Vs 16) – In the temple prayers are offered and answered in wonderful and unique ways. The use of temple prayer rolls is encouraged. Many patrons quietly pray in the celestial room. The Lord manifests himself to his people in mercy in the temple. (See D&C 110:7)
The temple is a house of fasting, but not in the usual way (Vs 16) – Most times we don’t go to the temple fasting from food. But the temple becomes a house of fasting as we leave the cares and thoughts of the world outside and focus our attention on the things of God. Taking off our watch helps us to do just that.
The temple is a house of faith (Vs 16) – The temple gives us power to see with an “eye of faith.” This is a phrase that is used three times in the scriptures, all in the Book of Mormon. (See Alma 5:15; Alma 32:40; Ether 12:19) Each of these verses suggests the ability to see into the next life and make a connection between choices in this life and consequences in the next. Many do not connect their choices today with the consequences that will result tomorrow, let alone in the next life.
Temple worship helps us to see with the eye of faith. Everything done in the temple looks to the future and into the next life for both us and for others. For example, the people whose work we do live in the spirit world. When they are confirmed they become members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This is very meaningful when we remember that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is more perfectly organized in the spirit world than it is here.
Testimony – The temple is the house of the Lord (Vs 16) – The glory of the Lord and His presence can be felt in the temple. Everything we do in the temple is done in his name, with his power and helps us become more like him. In the temple we learn of the Lord, to walk in his paths and learn of his ways.