Why does the Sacrament prayer have to be word for word?
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Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings
ReplyDeleteThis chapter outlines instructions for performing priesthood ordinances and blessings. Stake presidents and bishops should also be aware of the ordinance policies that are outlined in Handbook 1, chapter 16.
20.1 General Instructions
An ordinance is a sacred act, such as baptism, that is performed by the authority of the priesthood. The ordinances of baptism, confirmation, Melchizedek Priesthood ordination (for men), the temple endowment, and temple sealing are required for exaltation for all accountable persons. These are called the saving ordinances. As part of each saving ordinance, the recipient makes covenants with God.
Performance of a saving ordinance requires authorization from a priesthood leader who holds the appropriate keys or who functions under the direction of a person who holds those keys. Such authorization is also required for naming and blessing a child, dedicating a grave, giving a patriarchal blessing, and preparing, blessing, and passing the sacrament. Melchizedek Priesthood holders may consecrate oil, administer to the sick, give father’s blessings, and give other blessings of comfort and counsel without first seeking authorization from a priesthood leader.
Brethren who perform ordinances and blessings should prepare themselves by living worthily and striving to be guided by the Holy Spirit. They should perform each ordinance or blessing in a dignified manner, making sure it meets the following requirements:
1. It should be performed in the name of Jesus Christ.
2. It should be performed by the authority of the priesthood.
3. It should be performed with any necessary procedures, such as using specified words or using consecrated oil.
4. It should be authorized by the presiding authority who holds the proper keys (normally the bishop or stake president), if necessary according to the instructions in this chapter.
A priesthood leader who oversees an ordinance or blessing ensures that the person who performs it has the necessary priesthood authority, is worthy, and knows and follows the proper procedures. Leaders also seek to make the ordinance or blessing a reverent and spiritual experience.
When ordinances or blessings are performed in sacrament meeting, the bishop ensures that they are performed properly. To avoid embarrassing a priesthood holder, the bishop quietly corrects errors only if essential elements of the ordinance or blessing are incorrect.
https://www.lds.org/liahona/2001/11/ordinances-and-covenants?lang=eng&query=ordinances+and+covenants
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1986/04/reflections-on-the-sacrament-prayers?lang=eng
The simple answer is because the Handbook says to:
ReplyDeleteFollowing the hymn, the person who blesses the bread kneels and offers the sacrament prayer for the bread. The sacrament prayers were revealed by the Lord (see D&C 20:77, 79; Moroni 4–5). The bishop makes sure they are spoken clearly, accurately, and with dignity. If the person who blesses the sacrament makes an error in the wording but corrects it himself, no further correction is required. If the person does not correct an error, the bishop indicates that he should repeat the prayer correctly. In doing so, the bishop should be careful to avoid causing embarrassment or distracting from the sacred nature of the ordinance. (Handbook 2 20.4.3)
The scriptures also tell us that Christ commanded it. Moroni 4:1-2--the manner of their elders and priests administering the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church; and they administered it according to the commandments of Christ; wherefore we know the manner to be true; and the elder or priest did minister it--
2 And they did kneel down with the church, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ, saying:
For a deeper understanding, think about all of the ordinances you have participated in. Every ordinance -- except for individual blessings, and even those have a set pattern (full name, declaration of authority and purpose ) -- is word for word. there are even witnesses to make sure it is done correctly. This is so that every person receives the same covenant (makes the same promises and will receive the same blessings).
Encyclopedia of Mormonism
ReplyDelete"The prayers spoken over these emblems are among the few that are scripturally prescribed exactly. Those who partake of the sacrament place themselves under covenant with the Lord to take upon them the name of Christ, to always remember him, and to keep his commandments. The Lord in turn covenants that they may always have his Spirit to be with them."
[As we are making a covenant with the Lord, or renewing our baptismal covenant, the words can't be ambiguous. Our covenant is very specific.]
Vaughn J Featherstone
"The sacrament is the ordinance of the church that ties most directly to the Atonement."