2011
Preparing to Do Baptisms for the Dead
September 2011

“Preparing to Do Baptisms for the Dead,” Liahona, Sept. 2011, 60

Preparing to Do Baptisms for the Dead

By Elyssa J. Kirkham

When you are 12 years old, you may have the opportunity to go to the temple to be baptized and confirmed for those who died without the opportunity to accept the gospel. Here are some ways to prepare to enter the temple and feel the Holy Spirit there.

How to Prepare

  • Have faith in Jesus Christ. Be baptized and confirmed a member of His Church. Boys must hold the Aaronic Priesthood.

  • Keep the commandments and make good choices. Repent when you do something wrong.

  • Have an interview with your bishop or branch president. If you are worthy, he will give you a limited-use temple recommend.

  • Help do family history work so you can take family names to the temple, if possible.

  • Study the scriptures and Church publications (such as the October 2010 Liahona) that will help you understand temple work.

On the Day

  • Dress in your church clothes. Be clean and well groomed.

  • Read the scriptures or Church magazines, or listen to uplifting music.

  • Pray to feel the Holy Ghost when you are in the temple.

  • Don’t take books, electronics, or music on the way to the temple that will not help you feel reverent.

In the Temple

  • You will be given white clothing to change into. White is a symbol of purity and cleanliness.

  • At the baptismal font you may be able to watch others being baptized for the dead.

  • While you wait, you can pray and ponder. The temple is a special place where you can be close to Heavenly Father.

  • You will be confirmed for people who have already had their baptisms performed for them.

  • Think about those you were baptized and confirmed for and the blessings that will now be available to them because of your temple service.

Photo illustration by Christina Smith