The Sweet Spirit of Sacrament Meeting

God takes good care of me. His tender mercies touch me day to day. Today I was very aware of this care during Sacrament meeting.

I've been struggling this week. I came to church this morning not with reluctance, but not with any real anticipation either.

We came in late, just as they were beginning the opening hymn. I looked up to the organ an was surprised to see the daughter of our children's piano teacher playing for sacrament meeting. It felt to me like quite a milestone to see this lovely young woman share her talent with us in service. It was a joyful sight.

I then looked over to the sacrament table and saw one of our new ward members who has recently been baptized with his wife. There he sat prepared to exercise the priesthood which he so recently has received to bless the sacrament that I might receive it.

We began to sing the opening hymn: Sweet Hour of Prayer. These words really struck home with me:

Sweet hour of prayer! ...
That calls me from a world of care
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known. ...

Sweet hour of prayer! ...
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since he bids me seek his face,
Believe his word, and trust his grace,
I’ll cast on him my ev’ry care
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

The sacrament hymn was I Stand All Amazed. Again the words spoke strongly to me, particularly the second verse:

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,
That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

We heard a talk about reaching out to others and not excluding them. We heard a talk about Christ our savior.

The intermediate hymn was Did You think to Pray?

Then the final speaker stood and began her talk by declaring "My name is Lee, and I'm a sinner." She then proceeded to list her faults to us openly, followed by accounts of God working in her life. It was a tremendous talk which touched my heart.

We closed with Sing We Now at Parting. The second and third verses stood out:

Praise him for his mercy;
Praise him for his love.
For unnumbered blessings
Praise the Lord above.
Let our happy voices
Still the notes prolong.
One alone is worthy
Of our sweetest song.

Jesus, our Redeemer,
Now our praises hear.
While we bow before thee,
Lend a list’ning ear.
Save us, Lord, from error.
Watch us day by day.
Help us now to serve thee
In a pleasing way.

Our bishop said the closing prayer.

Heavenly Father always takes good care of me. Sometimes I notice it. Today is one of those days.