I’ve always wanted to compare the sacrament prayers to see what the differences were. So, this week I did it. I’ve arranged the exact wording of each prayers in vertical columns and aligned the text where the words match.
Remember!
First thing I noticed was in the section I labeled “Covenant Requirements.” During sacrament meeting, the prayer on the bread is always first. During that first prayer, the covenant requirements are:
- Take Christ’s name upon you
- Always remember him
- Keep his commandments
During the second prayer, when it gets to that part, these are not repeated. (I guess since we already committed to those requirements in the first prayer.) The only exception to that is the requirement, “Always remember him.”, which is stated twice. Why is this repeated? Perhaps Heavenly knows that we are mortal and we forget. One of the challenges we have is remembering… our blessings, our covenants, our manners, our… home teaching. Pretty much anything.
It reminds me of Helaman when he said to his sons,”…remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye mush build your foundation…” (Helaman 5:12)
Not just one “remember”, but two.
Willing
It has been pointed out to me (by Nick Olsen) that the word “willing” proceeds the covenants. It suggests that you’re taking part in a volunteer action, but also could imply that you may fall short of accomplishing the three things mentioned. Perhaps as long as we are “willing” (in other words trying) to strive to be righteous, then you’re good.
It’s an interesting thought. And that’s the whole point of the sacrament, right? We strive to be righteous through the week. We aren’t perfect, but we show up next Sunday WILLING to make the same covenant to strive to be righteous again. This process sounds monotonous, but really its designed to allow us to have hope as we progress to higher and higher plains. Over time, keeping commandments becomes easier because we’ve allowed this process to change our hearts.
Your Thoughts On this!?
I think there is more to this Sacrament Prayers comparison. I get the feeling that right in front of us is something important. Maybe you can see what I can’t. Did you notice any other observations? Love to hear your comments below!
If you’d like to download the full size pdf, it’s here.
LDS Paper Toys 
I really appreciate your side-by-side comparison of the Sacrament prayers and PDF download. I am especially grateful for your comment “The only exception to that is the requirement, “Always remember him.”, which is stated twice. Why is this repeated? Perhaps Heavenly knows that we are mortal and we forget.” I think this is my main weakness – forgetting. However, I am blessed to use the Priesthood to interpret the sacrament prayers in ASL (American Sign Language) for my wife (who is Deaf) that helps remind me of the importance of the sacrament in my life. I am in no way ASL fluent and use the official LDS videos for the Deaf/Hearing Impaired to extend these blessings of the bread and water though Sign Language while our Priests kneel and speak the sacrament prayers to our congregation. This is has been an awesome expression of finding the hidden meanings and the remembering of the events of the Last Supper and the covenants that we take upon ourselves. We may see the bread and water passed to us, but the symbolism of these covenant items are clearly displayed to me when i see hands depicting the image of the Eternal Father, the Savior, the bread, the water, the blood shed, the covenant, the commandments, the Spirit. What better way to “remember him” and what he did than through the use of hands painting a picture in our mind of the significance of his sacrifice. For we know that is was his hands, and feet, and side that healed us.
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Gage, I am somewhat familiar with ASL as our family has been making an attempt to learn the past year or so. My nephew uses sign language to help him communicate. That is interesting what you said about seeing the symbolism. I imagine that also helps during regular prayers as well. Even just saying “in the name of Jesus Christ” at the end of the prayer, has you putting your finger in your palms for the sign of Jesus. That visual could really be beneficial for reverence and a more powerful prayer.
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I feel that the prayer on the water does not exactly repeat “remember”. The first form of “remember” in this prayeris “remembrance” praying that those who partake of the Sacrament water will do so recalling Christ’s blood. The second form is “remember” praying that those who partake will remember Christ, not jus this blood.
Hope this makes sense.
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