Darvish Intelligence: The Sacred Words and Instructions for Administering the Sacrament: A Christian LDS Perspective

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

The Sacred Words and Instructions for Administering the Sacrament: A Christian LDS Perspective

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS Priest

The sacrament is one of the most sacred and profound ordinances in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). As a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood, I have the sacred responsibility to bless and administer the bread and water to the congregation, renewing the covenant made at baptism and symbolizing the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This sacred ordinance requires specific words and careful preparation, as outlined in LDS scripture and practice.

Having come from an Islamic background and finding Christianity’s true path, the sacrament holds a deeply personal and transformative meaning for me. It symbolizes not only a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice but also a commitment to live according to His teachings. In this article, I will explain the exact words for blessing the bread and water and provide instructions on how to properly administer this sacred ordinance.

The Words for the Blessing of the Bread

The prayer over the bread is found in the Book of Moroni, chapter 4, verse 3, in the Book of Mormon:

"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."

The Words for the Blessing of the Water

The prayer over the water is found in Moroni, chapter 5, verse 2:

"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this water to the souls of all those who drink of it; that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."

Preparation and Administration of the Sacrament

Preparing the Table
- A clean, white cloth is traditionally used to cover the sacrament table.
- The bread is placed in trays, and the water is prepared in individual cups, often in specialized sacrament trays.
Priesthood Authority
- Only those holding the Aaronic Priesthood, typically priests, may bless the sacrament. Deacons and teachers assist in preparing and passing it to the congregation.
Reverence and Focus
- The sacrament is conducted in a spirit of reverence. Participants are invited to prepare their hearts and minds, focusing on Christ’s Atonement and personal repentance.
The Process
- The priest kneels at the sacrament table and offers the prayer for the bread first, exactly as written in the scriptures, ensuring no deviation.
- After the bread is blessed, it is distributed to the congregation by deacons or other members of the Aaronic Priesthood.
- The process is repeated for the water, with the priest offering the prayer exactly as written, followed by its distribution.
Concluding the Ordinance
- The sacrament concludes after both the bread and water have been passed, often followed by a hymn or a short period of meditation.

Reflections on the Ordinance

Administering the sacrament as a priest is an opportunity to reflect on Christ’s immense sacrifice and His infinite love for humanity. As someone who has traversed through different faiths and ideologies before finding Christianity and the LDS Church, I feel a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility every time I kneel to offer these sacred prayers.

In a world filled with distractions and challenges, the sacrament offers a moment of spiritual clarity—a weekly reminder of our commitment to Christ and His gospel. For me, it also serves as a testament to the power of redemption, transformation, and covenantal renewal.