How Can We Make the Sacrament More Meaningful to Us?

people partaking of the sacramental water

In these chapters of the New Testament, we read about the Lord instituting the sacrament:

“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.

“Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19–20).

Three Questions

Ponder these questions posed by President Russell M. Nelson: “Ask yourself, ‘What do I think of when I partake of the sacrament? Do I really concentrate on the Atonement of Jesus Christ? Do I comprehend the magnitude of His sacrifice and the magnificence of my future as I take upon myself the name of Jesus Christ and resolve to keep His commandments?’” (“Reflection and Resolution” [Brigham Young University devotional, Jan. 7, 1990], 6, speeches.byu.edu).

Three Things to Understand

Consider the following teachings by President David O. McKay (1873–1970) about three things to remember regarding the sacrament:

“The first is self-discernment. It is introspection. ‘This do in remembrance of me’ [Luke 22:19], but we should partake worthily, each one examining himself with respect to his worthiness.

“Secondly, there is a covenant made; a covenant even more than a promise. … A covenant, a promise, should be as sacred as life. That principle is involved every Sunday when we partake of the sacrament.

“Thirdly, there is another blessing, and that is a sense of close relationship with the Lord. There is an opportunity to commune with oneself and to commune with the Lord” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 34–35).