Temple Prayer

[JLHPROF]

I have been contemplating the things we are taught in the temple.  It's no secret that one of those things is a way of praying.

I DON'T want this thread to discuss specifics of this most sacred topic.  I don't want temple content or sacred things being plastered across the board.  (Not that the Mod's would let it be)

 

BUT...there is something my reading and studying has made very clear.  When this was being restored it was clearly meant to be used and practiced by those who are endowed on a fairly regular basis.  In early years it wasn't even limited to temples.  Today it is almost exclusively a temple practice.

Here is where I could quote a dozen references showing that this was meant to be used but that the practice has been restrained but I don't think that's necessary.

 

Many months back I saw someone post that they did use what they'd learned and thought it was meant to be done on another site, and another member basically bit his head off saying it was utter blasphemy and sin to do this.  I thought I'd ask opinions of our little board.  So for those who know and understand this sacred practice I have three little questions I would like to ask:

 

1. Do you think it is ever appropriate to use this form of prayer OUTSIDE of the temple, for personal use, perhaps in your home for instance?  Or should it be limited to the temple?

 

2.  Do you or have you ever used this practice personally outside the temple?  (No specifics necessary - it's a very private, sacred thing I know).

 

3. If not, would you ever use this practice outside of the temple and to what end?

 

Edit:  Since these questions ask about violating Church policy (sorry, I actually didn't know) I don't expect anyone to answer.

Edited February 13, 2015 by JLHPROF

[rockpond]

I have been contemplating the things we are taught in the temple. It's no secret that one of those things is a way of praying.

I DON'T want this thread to discuss specifics of this most sacred topic. I don't want temple content or sacred things being plastered across the board. (Not that the Mod's would let it be)

BUT...there is something my reading and studying has made very clear. When this was being restored it was clearly meant to be used and practiced by those who are endowed on a fairly regular basis. In early years it wasn't even limited to temples. Today it is almost exclusively a temple practice.

Here is where I could quote a dozen references showing that this was meant to be used but that the practice has been restrained but I don't think that's necessary.

Many months back I saw someone post that they did use what they'd learned and thought it was meant to be done on another site, and another member basically bit his head off saying it was utter blasphemy and sin to do this. I thought I'd ask opinions of our little board. So for those who know and understand this sacred practice I have three little questions I would like to ask:

1. Do you think it is ever appropriate to use this form of prayer OUTSIDE of the temple, for personal use, perhaps in your home for instance? Or should it be limited to the temple?

2. Do you or have you ever used this practice personally outside the temple? (No specifics necessary - it's a very private, sacred thing I know).

3. If not, would you ever use this practice outside of the temple and to what end?

I don't know the official answer but I thought it was limited to the temple because ceremonial attire is required (or so I interpreted it to be based on what is said right before that part of the endowment).

[Coreyb]

Prayer circles where initiated members would pray in the true order, outside the temple, and discuss the mysteries, and more ordinary subjects were a common practice amongst church leaders and others after nauvoo. I believe it was pres. Kimball who officially said no more of that outside the temple, but I think it had long been out of favor amongst most members. I could be wrong

[JLHPROF]

Prayer circles where initiated members would pray in the true order, outside the temple, and discuss the mysteries, and more ordinary subjects were a common practice amongst church leaders and others after nauvoo. I believe it was pres. Kimball who officially said no more of that outside the temple, but I think it had long been out of favor amongst most members. I could be wrong

 

No you are right.  I just found the quote:

"“The Council of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve has decided that all such prayer circles, whether held in the temples or outside the temples, be discontinued immediately.”

 

Perhaps I shouldn't have asked the questions and we can let the thread die.  But I have to say, President Kimball's instruction completely flies in the face of what Joseph restored and was taught by the early prophets.  It really makes me feel like we've lost something.  We are taught how to do something and now forbidden to do it.

 

But if it's against Church policy I suppose my question is moot.  Never mind.

[Tacenda]

No you are right. I just found the quote:

"“The Council of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve has decided that all such prayer circles, whether held in the temples or outside the temples, be discontinued immediately.”

Perhaps I shouldn't have asked the questions and we can let the thread die. But Il have to say, President Kimball's instruction completely flies in the face of what Joseph restored and was taught by the early prophets. It really makes me feel like we've lost something. We are taught how to do something and now forbidden to do it.

But if it's against Church policy I suppose my question is moot. Never mind.

Two words....current revelation.

[JLHPROF]

Two words....current revelation.

 

Where?

[Tacenda]

Where?

Out of the mouth of a prophet at that time. Or it was a policy.

[JLHPROF]

Out of the mouth of a prophet at that time. Or it was a policy.

 

Ding ding ding...we have a winner.

Without this I fail to see where the "endowment of power" comes in.  Power implies ability to do something, an action.  We are only taught how to do 2-3 specific things in the endowment.  If we can't do one of them what power do we actually get out of it?  What can we do after that we couldn't do before?  Where is our newly acquired power?

 

 

Either way - Hey Mod's, would you close this thread?  Apparently  my original questions violated Church regulations so are pointless.  Please close the thread.

Thanks!

Edited February 13, 2015 by JLHPROF

[Coreyb]

I agree, we have lost something. Sometimes convenience, propriety, and efficiency trump spirituality. Some prayer circles did lead to problems however, so I can see the concerns they might have had, especially in a church that was rapidly growing and correlating.

[Avatar4321]

I understand why you are asking for the thread to close but it's a shame we can't have more discussions on more important things like this.

[Storm Rider]

I have never heard a discussion as to why the Leadership would choose to cease prayer circles outside of the temple, but at the same time I don't see any impact on my life or my practice. The power of the temple ordinances and the intended objective of helping us to become more like Christ, to pursue righteousness and holiness in our daily lives is not hindered or delayed.  

 

Tacenda, I don't know if it is humor or just the rather constant snide comments, but it is odd how critics only allow LDS prophets and apostles to function in a narrow band of behavior.  They earnestly desire to have great flexibility for their own beliefs and actions, but demand a world of only black and white for prophets and apostles.  That old problem of being judged by the same standard we use for others is not something that can be escaped; we create our own hell.  Does it make you happier to pick at the sore of your own doubts?  If it does, then pick away, but if it does not and you know a way to greater happiness; choose that path and abandon unhappiness.  Though I use your name, it is advice each of us could learn from.

[janderich]

Sometimes I think we have a problem separating the symbol from the symbolized. Is it really necessary to perform all the outward acts in order for the Lord to hear our prayer? Mortal man has always been intent on outward ritual but I do not believe that is what we are to learn about the prayer circle in the temple. Take the outward forms taught in the prayer circle and learn how the symbols apply to your inward prayers. Then you will pray with power. 

Edited February 13, 2015 by janderich