Remember Him through the Sacrament

“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19.)

One Sunday morning, as Janalee Gale, a nurse at a large hospital, was planning her patients’ care for the day, she heard an announcement over the intercom about church services for patients.

One woman—a Latter-day Saint—told Janalee that she would like to attend the LDS service. Janalee quickly changed the woman’s linen and combed her hair. Although the patient was in constant pain, she didn’t complain. Some brethren wheeled her bed to the meeting, and Janalee turned her attention to other patients.

Several days later, the woman buzzed for Janalee. When Janalee responded, the patient took her hand and said, “I just wanted to thank you for helping me get to church last Sunday. I haven’t been for awhile because I’ve been so ill. When I partook of the sacrament …” she paused, then continued, “I felt God’s Spirit, and I just knew that Christ is my Savior.” Both women were moved to tears.

“This beautiful woman, as weak as she was, had faith stronger than I ever had,” remembered Janalee. “I couldn’t help recalling the times when I had only gone to church out of habit, never partaking of the Spirit, though I always partook of the bread and water. Never would I feel that way again.” (See New Era, Dec. 1982, pp. 28—29, and June 1983, p. 3.)

Remember Christ

Remembering the Savior is an integral part of the sacrament service. The emblems we partake of each Sunday are a reminder of the covenants we make at baptism, when we take upon us the name of Christ and declare ourselves to be his disciples. As we partake, we are given time to reflect upon the Savior’s sacrifice for our sins. We are reminded to keep his commandments and to consider what it means to take his name upon us. We are also reminded that as we strive to keep those covenants, we may always have the Lord’s Spirit to be with us. What a wonderful promise!

The greatest blessing we can receive by continuing to partake of the sacrament worthily is that of eternal life. The Savior said, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:54.)

Partake Worthily

How can we partake of the sacrament worthily? We do so by keeping our covenants and striving to live a Christlike life. If we have sinned against or harbor ill feelings toward someone, we should repent and reconcile ourselves with that person.

As we remember the Savior’s example, we can better pattern our lives after his. “Living God’s commandments obligates a person to a life of goodness—goodness to society and a genuine helpfulness to humanity,” said Elder David B. Haight, adding that “the divine virtues associated with the partaking of the Lord’s Supper are to keep His divine life ever in mind; to love the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength; and to labor to bring to pass His ultimate purpose—the eternal life of man.” (Ensign, May 1983, p. 14.)

Suggestions for Visiting Teachers

You or the sister you visit may want to share an experience of when making a special effort to partake of the sacrament meaningfully proved to be a blessing.
Suggest ways we can better remember and worship the Savior through partaking of the sacrament. How can remembering him help us in our daily lives?

(See Family Home Evening Resource Book, pp. 55–63 for related materials.)

Illustrated by Beth Maryon Whittaker