How Can We Make the Sacrament More Meaningful to Us?

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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).