Relief Society Lesson: "The Significance of the Sacrament"

Yesterday's lesson was given by Sis. Flores on "The Significance of the Sacrament" (chapter 6 of the Joseph Fielding Smith manual).  Sis. Flores outlined the three main points of the chapter on the board:

1)  The Lord has commanded us to meet often to partake of the Sacrament.
2)  We partake of the sacrament in remembrance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
3)  It is our duty to thoughtfully consider the covenant we make when we partake of the sacrament.

In regards to the first point, Sis. Flores had a few volunteers read quotes relating to the institution of the sacrament during the Last Supper.  Once such quote reads:

"...It was a very solemn occasion; there the sacrament was instituted, and the disciples were commanded to meet together often and commemorate the death and sufferings of Jesus Christ, for his sacrifice was for the redemption of the world."

                   -Joseph Fielding Smith (page 95)

Sis. Flores accentuated the importance of the word solemn used in many of the quotes and comments of the sisters.  The dignity and seriousness of the sacrament since the Lord first introduced it to his apostles long ago deserves no less than our utmost reverence today.

For the second point of the lesson, Sis. Flores mentioned how the sacrament is a wonderful opportunity for us to repent on a weekly basis.  In addition, pondering the sacrifice that the Savior made for us brings us closer to Him and refines our perspective.  In the words of the prophet:

"...If we fully appreciated the many blessings which are ours through the redemption made for us, there is nothing that the Lord could ask of us that we would not anxiously and willingly do."

            -Joseph Fielding Smith (page 99)

Sis. Flores then had someone read the sacrament prayer aloud, the rest of us with our arms folded and eyes closed to help us focus on the meaning of the words as well as the covenants we make, encompassing the third point of the lesson (for a full description of the covenants, see pages 100-101 in the Joseph Fielding Smith manual).  Sis. Flores encouraged us to be more alert and focused on pondering the meaning of the sacrament as we are blessed with the opportunity to partake of it.

She ended the lesson with the following video from Elder  Dallen H. Oaks:

"Partake of the Sacrament" (click here)

Thank you Sis. Flores for the wonderful lesson and for all the sisters who participated!