I Love to See the Temple

By Corliss Clayton

The temples of the Lord are places where all of His children can receive the blessings and ordinances necessary to prepare them for exaltation in the celestial kingdom. If you will prayerfully read the scriptures and quotations from the latter-day prophets listed on this poster each month, you will better understand the blessings of the temple and what you need to do to prepare to go there someday.

January

A temple is the house of the Lord.

Read: Doctrine and Covenants 84:1–5 [D&C 84:1–5]

“He requires his servants to build him a house that he can come to and where he can make known his will.” Brigham Young (1847–1877)

February

Temples are a sign of the true Church.

Read: Doctrine and Covenants 109:1–9 [D&C 109:1–9]

“In the Kirtland Temple Jesus appeared, and … communication was opened between … the priesthood in the heavens and the priesthood on earth.” John Taylor (1880–1887)

March

Temples offer us saving ordinances and covenants.

Read: Doctrine and Covenants 124:38–41 [D&C 124:38–41]

“What are we building (temples) for? That we may enter in and redeem the living and the dead.” Wilford Woodruff (1889–1898)

April

We have temples throughout the world.

Read: Official Declaration—2; Doctrine and Covenants 88:119–120 [OD 2; D&C 88:119–120]

“The time will come when there will be temples established over every portion of the land.” Lorenzo Snow (1898–1901)

May

Temples are places of learning, inspiration, and revelation.

Read: Doctrine and Covenants 97:10–16; 110:1–10 [D&C 97:10–16; D&C 110:1–10]

“We desire that … the Spirit of the Lord may dwell in (His temples), and that those who minister therein may feel the presence and influence of his Spirit.” Joseph F. Smith (1901–1918)

June

Temples show us how to achieve reverence, happiness, and peace.

Read: Doctrine and Covenants 19:23–24; 109:21–22 [D&C 19:23–24; D&C 109:21–22]

“The everlasting covenant becomes the foundation upon which are built peace, happiness, virtue, love, and all of the other eternal verities of life.” Heber J. Grant (1918–1945)

July

Temples are places of service.

Read: Doctrine and Covenants 138:6–19, 47–52, 58–59 [D&C 138:6–19, 47–52, 58–59]

“What a joy it will be on the other side of the veil, to find these good men and women … accept the ordinances of His Holy House and (are) prepared for membership in the Celestial Kingdom.” George Albert Smith (1945–1951)

August

We can prepare to go to the temple by gaining a testimony, by going to Church, and by following the prophet.

Read: Doctrine and Covenants 20:25–26; 59:9–19; 21:1, 4–6 [D&C 20:25–26; D&C 59:9–19; D&C 21:1, 4–6]

“If you would be happy, obey the principles of the gospel.” David O. McKay (1951–1970)

September

We can prepare to go the temple by supporting our bishop and stake president and by being honest.

Read: Articles of Faith 5, 13

“None are entitled to enter the temple and receive these ordinances except those who have prepared themselves for exaltation by the keeping of all the commandments.” Joseph Fielding Smith (1970–1972)

October

We can prepare to go to the temple by keeping our thoughts, words, and actions pure and by being kind to our families and others.

Read: Doctrine and Covenants 4:6; 38:24–25; 100:16; 121:45 [D&C 4:6; D&C 38:24–25; D&C 100:16; D&C 121:45]

“Our ears must ever be inclined to hear … (so that) we do as we think the Master would have us do.” Harold B. Lee (1972–1973)

November

We can prepare to go to the temple by making right choices, by paying our tithing, and by obeying the Word of Wisdom.

Read: Doctrine and Covenants 58:26–28; 89:4–21; 119 [D&C 58:26–28; D&C 89:4–21; D&C 119]

“Right decisions are easiest to make when we make them well in advance, having ultimate objectives in mind.” Spencer W. Kimball (1973–1985)

December

We are thankful for temple blessings.

Read: Doctrine and Covenants 109:14–16; 124:55 [D&C 109:14–16; D&C 124:55]

“I thank the Lord for the temples and for the sacred ordinances performed therein and the sweet spirit which is always prevalent in the house of the Lord.” Ezra Taft Benson (1985–)

Illustrated by Larry Winborg