Comments on: “…And Please Bless”

By: Josi

Josi — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:06:04 +0000

Which is why they should only ask mothers to say the closing prayers–they would be about 12 words long and the heartfelt hallilujia (sp) chorus that would rise unabashed from the throats of every other mom in the congregation would make any baptist proud. I mean, really, do the women ever go on that long? Well, okay, every ward has one or two females that would do it just to tick off the rest of us, but generally?

By: Jen R.

Jen R. — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:17:52 +0000

ha ha this was great. I found your blog from mormom mommy blogs. We cant stand those long prayers! Even before we had baby. She’s better behaved than we are!

By: The Boss of Sacrament Meeting

The Boss of Sacrament Meeting — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:08:09 +0000

“And remember: prayers are not sermons.” Elder Nelson

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=444c66dfc311c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

By: He Know My Name

He Know My Name — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:53:06 +0000

Late Spring of 2002, we were living in the Midwest, and my husband and I spent our first two overnights away from our then 2-year-old daughter volunteering at the open house for the Nauvoo temple. It was an amazing experience for DH and me, but as much as little H loved the friends she stayed with, it was a tough couple of days for her. We got home Saturday night, and Sunday she was very clingy, but seemed to be doing better until it came time for the closing hymn and prayer. I was conducting the music, and after Sacrament sat with my family in the first pew. When I went up to conduct the closing hymn, she made it clear she was not happy sitting with Daddy while Mom was up there waving her hands around. The bishop’s mother said the closing prayer, and went on and on oblivious to the two year old on the front row who was literally screaming at the top of her lungs.

DH and I were grateful for the noise, however, when we both almost burst out laughing at what happened next: Sister M asked the Lord to bless the prophet “President Spencer W. …. I mean President…. (long pause)… Lord, though knowest his name.”

By: Mommom

Mommom — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:08:35 +0000

Uh Oh April – I think our ward must be sacraligous then ’cause we have ended early more than a handful of times this year. Now granted we have now changed Bishops so who knows. But NOW you know why I panicked – they wouldn’t have done extra closing remarks and never did, no matter when the last talk ended – and we actually ended almost 15 minutes early once, before I could even get in to set up.

So you laugh – but it happens…. [Back to the regular topic]

By: charrette

charrette — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:24:23 +0000

Hahaha! We were visiting a meeting in Italy with one of those 30-minute closing prayers, when a disgruntled elderly brother next to us blurted out in a stern, husky voice, “Un discurso!” (He’s giving a sermon!) My hubby and I cracked up!

By: mormonhermitmom

mormonhermitmom — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:45:37 +0000

As wonderful as those extemporaneous prayers can be, don’t forget D&C 109. It’s a prayer. The dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple that Joseph Smith gave. Think of trying to sit reverently with kids all through 5 pages!
On the flip side, I’ve seen classified ads run by other churches looking for people to run the child care room while the ADULTs go to the service. Paid Nursery leaders? So the adults can listen to the sermon? Without their children? I have the same trouble with my kids during long prayers as everyone else, but I prefer my kids to be with me in church. I’ll deal with the fidgetiness during prayers and hope the prayers will be eloquently brief. Although paying nursery leaders is an idea….might not be so hard to fill the callings hmm?

By: Arlin

Arlin — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:39:45 +0000

Ha, acctually a member of our stake High council gave a talk on that very subject. It was about the appropriate places, subjects and lengths of various prayers and talks. He also threw in a bit about how testimony meetings were just that, and not thankamony meetings. Oddly enough, we haven’t had a really long closing (or opening) prayer yet, except during really exceptional meetings that is.

By: Maddison

Maddison — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:48:35 +0000

I see what you’re saying; considering all members of the ward is what should be done. And point well taken that longer prayers may be more appropriate and/or appreciated in meetings w/o children or at home. Thanks for your perspective and for the opportunity to share!
I do know that keeping my girls entertained or at least quiet until Sacrament meeting is over is probably easier now that they’re 9 and 11, perhaps I’ve blocked it from my memory how much harder it was even two years ago when I first started going to Church. ;D

By: Justine

Justine — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:51:29 +0000

La Yen, I so want to go to your ward.