When we think about temple work, the focus is on those ancestors who cannot do the work themselves. But the great blessing of participating in the temple ordinances and receiving your endowment comes to those who are living. A beautiful prayer was offered at the dedication of the temple in which Joseph Smith outlined a number of the blessings that come to people who attend regularly. Section 109 of the Doctrine and Covenants outlines these blessings.
Here is a summary of the blessings for those who attend the temple regularly:
1. They will feel God's power in their lives.
2. They will be taught words of wisdom.
3. They will grow up in Christ.
4. They will receive a fullness of the Holy Ghost, to be comforted and led into all truth.
5. They will be organized according to the laws of God.
6. They will be prepared to obtain every needful thing.
7. They will be armed with God's power.
8. They will have the name of Christ upon them.
9. They will have angels to guide and protect them.
10. No weapon will be formed against them.
11. No combination of wickedness shall have power over them.
12. Those who fight them will dig a pit and fall into it themselves.
(Second)
The temple brings peace and joy to those who attend. From the helpful pamphlet, Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple, we read: "Sometimes our minds are so beset with problems, and there are so many things clamoring for attention at once, that we just cannot think clearly and see clearly. At the temple the dust of distraction seems to settle out, the fog and the haze seem to lift, and we can ‘see' things that we were not able to see before and find a way through our troubles that we had not previously known."4 I watch as couples enter the temple for proxy endowment sessions. Many of them are in a rush because they are late. Others reflect frustration with each other. Many bring the activities and difficulties of a busy life at work and home still in their minds. It is a joy to watch these same couples leave the celestial room after a session at the temple. They often hold hands and reflect an obvious love for each other. The frustrations have subsided, and they return home with more determination to love their family and to serve the Lord.
("Blessings of the Temple" Val R. Christiansen, Rexburg Temple President, BYU-Idaho devotional, Oct 7, 2008)
What a wonderful reminder for us all. I really enjoyed the weekly devotionals while I was there at Ricks. And I love that the young people who are there now got to hear this address too as well as so many other great, inspirational messages each and every week. It just makes my heart happy.
The entire address is so great and I encourage you all to read the whole thing. Here is the link:
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