4 Responses to “I just went to the temple for the first time. It felt a litt…”
Pedro Bravo
2008-12-06 08:27:16
Outside of the temple, Mormon worship is a lot like Protestant worship. It is didactic, with preaching, learning, scripture study, etc. Inside the temple, the worship is more ritual based, like much of the worship in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. For some members who have grown up with the didactic worship style, the new ritual-based worship style can be surprising. But once one gets used to it, temple worship is truly beautiful. There is a definite reason why people find a lot of peace and joy in the temple! Don't give up...keep an open mind and try to see the beauty in the ceremonies.
Brendan
2008-12-21 22:27:31
Dear anonymous,
I would like to add to what has already been written. I think many members feel a little strange after going through the temple for the first time for the same reasons that have already been mentioned. In the temple we learn and worship in a way that is not as common to us growing up in the church. I think a good comparison would be to look at the ordinance of the sacrament. This ordinance is very symbolic! If someone came to a sacrament meeting for the first time without having all the symbols clearly explained they might feel a little strange at first as well. However, as we come to understand the meaning and significance of the ordinance and what it teaches we find great peace and joy in participating in the ordinance. The same is true of the temple.
Elder Nelson said, "The temple endowment was given by revelation. Thus, it is best understood by revelation, vigorously sought with a pure heart." (Prepare for the Blessings of the Temple," Ensign, March 2002) I know I have tons more to learn, but I know that as I have faithfully attended the temple I have received revelation upon revelation to help me understand the importance of the temple in my life. My advice is the same that as already been mentioned: attend the temple regularly and be patient. The Lord will not show us everything at once, but gradually over time we receive knowledge and understanding according to our faith and diligence.
I also remember finding a lot of comfort and understanding from reading scriptures and talks by the general authorities on the temple after I had first received my own endowment. I know that it is inspired of God. Good luck
David Gogel
2008-12-15 02:01:20
Dear anonymous,
I remember my first temple trip. I was surrounded by my friends from my ward. I was not really sure what to expect. My friends just told me not to worry if I did not understand what was happening but they assured me that I would understand as time went by. I have come to a greater understanding of temple worship with time. I would encourage you to attend often. I have a testimony of temple worship and the blessing one receives by attend.
Greg
2009-02-09 01:32:59
That's a great question. Many things that have helped me appreciate the temple can be found in the post What is an Endowment?.
I would like to add to what has already been written. I think many members feel a little strange after going through the temple for the first time for the same reasons that have already been mentioned. In the temple we learn and worship in a way that is not as common to us growing up in the church. I think a good comparison would be to look at the ordinance of the sacrament. This ordinance is very symbolic! If someone came to a sacrament meeting for the first time without having all the symbols clearly explained they might feel a little strange at first as well. However, as we come to understand the meaning and significance of the ordinance and what it teaches we find great peace and joy in participating in the ordinance. The same is true of the temple.
Elder Nelson said, "The temple endowment was given by revelation. Thus, it is best understood by revelation, vigorously sought with a pure heart." (Prepare for the Blessings of the Temple," Ensign, March 2002) I know I have tons more to learn, but I know that as I have faithfully attended the temple I have received revelation upon revelation to help me understand the importance of the temple in my life. My advice is the same that as already been mentioned: attend the temple regularly and be patient. The Lord will not show us everything at once, but gradually over time we receive knowledge and understanding according to our faith and diligence.
I also remember finding a lot of comfort and understanding from reading scriptures and talks by the general authorities on the temple after I had first received my own endowment. I know that it is inspired of God. Good luck
I remember my first temple trip. I was surrounded by my friends from my ward. I was not really sure what to expect. My friends just told me not to worry if I did not understand what was happening but they assured me that I would understand as time went by. I have come to a greater understanding of temple worship with time. I would encourage you to attend often. I have a testimony of temple worship and the blessing one receives by attend.