In October 1991, Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve gave a talk entitled “Reverence Invites Revelation.” He speaks of the need for reverent behavior and how such quiet can usher in the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Elder Packer begins by warning those who seek to study the gospel from an intellectual perspective only. The promptings of the spirit do not come by intellect alone, but by feeling. He warned that several groups within the church were focusing too much on measuring doctrine and ordinances by the mind alone.
With this warning past, he turned his focus to the relationship between reverence and revelation. “Inspiration,” he says, “comes more easily into peaceful settings.”
The world is trending towards becoming noisy. Clothing and conduct are more disheveled; music is loud and disheartening. These things are becoming the norm, rather than the difference. How much more so in the sixteen years since this talk was given!
According the Elder Packer, this trend is not accidental or random. “The first order issued by a commander mounting a military invasion is the jamming of the channels of communication of those he intends to conquer,” he states. “Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirit.” Satan is striving to keep us from receiving instruction and direction from the Lord by interfering with our ability to feel the Spirit. If you look at the world today, I’d say he has been rather successful. You must consciously work to stay in touch with the Holy Ghost in this culture.
Elder Packer then turns the discussion towards sacrament meetings. He encourages us to utilize the foyer for visiting, and keep the chapel a special place. He is quick to note that distractions by small children are tolerant, and he said something that you can bet my husband will learn when he gets home. When he speaks of ushering out a tantruming toddler, he says, “Unless the father is on the stand, he should do the ushering.”
I might actually get to hear Sacrament meeting one of these days.
Elder Packer then discusses the relationship of music in our worship service. He states that those who are responsible for the music may do more to contribute to the spirit than the speakers. He states, “If we will listen, they are teaching the gospel, for the hymns of the Restoration are, in fact, a course in doctrine!” He then encourages members of the congregation to join in song, and warns against allowing that sacred music to slip away from us. We should keep our worship music focused on the Lord. Even concert music may not be acceptable for our sacrament services.
Next, Elder Packer discusses prayers. He worries that we are drifting away from the use of reverential words when we petition the Lord. “Teach the children and gently inform new members that we use reverential terms when addressing our Heavenly Father in prayer.”
Elder Packer concludes by stating that “the spirit of reverence can and should be evident in every organization in the Church and in the lives of every member.” We may not see an immediate transformation, but we can grow closer to the Spirit as we practice being more reverent. This will lead us to a stronger relationship with our Savior and our Father in Heaven.
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