King’s Court

We had a discussion in our priesthood quorum today on Elements of Worship from The Teachings of David O. McKay. One of the reasons I enjoy blogging is the opportunity of introspection and contemplation it affords. Clearly much of that introspection never graces these pages but believe you me it is happening! Here are a few of President McKay’s thoughts on Reverence:

Inseparable from the acceptance of the existence of God is an attitude of reverence, to which I wish now to call attention most earnestly to the entire Church. The greatest manifestation of spirituality is reverence; indeed, reverence is spirituality. Reverence is profound respect mingled with love. It is �a complex emotion made up of mingled feelings of the soul.�
Reverence embraces regard, deference, honor, and esteem. Without some degree of it, therefore, there would be no courtesy, no gentility, no consideration of others� feelings, or of others� rights. Reverence is the fundamental virtue in religion. It is �one of the signs of strength; irreverence, one of the surest indications of weakness. No man will rise high,� says one man, �who jeers at sacred things. The fine loyalties of life,� he continues, �must be reverenced or they will be foresworn [or rejected] in the day of trial.�

Largely, I think I can be reverent, and hope I am not irreverent with sacred things. I know I can be too abrasive and sarcastic at times which shuns the virtues President McKay lists above. Alas, sarcasm is my bane�at times a witty friend but in an instant a cruel enemy. I think if I could remove one character trait in an instant, sarcasm would be it.

President McKay continues:

If there were more reverence in human hearts, there would be less room for sin and sorrow and more increased capacity for joy and gladness. To make more cherished, more adaptable, more attractive, this gem among brilliant virtues is a project worthy of the most united and prayerful efforts of every officer, every parent, and every member of the Church.
Three influences in home life awaken reverence in children and contribute to its development in their souls. These are: first, firm but Gentle Guidance; second, Courtesy shown by parents to each other, and to children; and third, Prayerin which children participate. In every home in this Church parents should strive to act intelligently in impressing children with those three fundamentals.

Tonight our young Joshy prayed at the dinner table; intuitively, he is already reverent when praying. His voice changes to a quieted meekness. Patiently he takes instructions on what to say and then repeats, often shortened to his own words. A grin with slightly teared eyes appear on his parent’s faces at the end of the prayer when I say “In the name of Jesus Christ” and instead of repeating Joshua says “Amen.” read more »