The Bible is filled with prayers of thanksgiving, lament, and more. The term “sacrament prayers” can refer to particular practices in different religious groups, but it can also teach us something important about prayer’s role in our lives.
What Is A Sacrament in Christianity?
In Christianity, a sacrament can be defined as a rite ordained by Christ imparting divine grace or a sign of spiritual reality. While different Christian denominations have different sacraments, baptism and Communion are the core sacraments agreed upon across all groups.
Communion involves eating bread and drinking wine (or unfermented grape juice), which is given and taken in remembrance of the death of Christ. Taking Communion commemorates the death of Christ. The bread is eaten in remembrance of the broken bones of the body of Jesus. The wine or juice is taken to remember the blood Jesus shed for our sins.
When being served the elements during Communion, you may have heard the words, “The body of Christ, broken for you.” Also, when served the wine or juice, “The blood of Christ, shed for you.” may have been spoken.
Outside Christian denominations that believe in transubstantiation, these elements are understood to be symbols, not the actual body and blood of Christ. The bread and drink are not things to be worshiped. They are used as reminders.
Some churches choose to share the sacraments on certain days of the year. Other churches serve Communion every week. The recent pandemic caused churches to find safer ways to serve Communion, such as ordering covered packages containing wafers and juice cups.
Baptism is another key sacrament in Christianity. When children or adults are baptized, the family and congregation agree to help guide the child to know God throughout their life. In some denominations, full submersion underwater is the way to be baptized. In other denominations, such as Presbyterianism, a sprinkling of water on the forehead and making the sign of the cross is the way to be baptized. This cleansing by water is symbolic of washing away sins and beginning a new life in Christ.
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 NIV)
What Do Sacrament Prayers Mean in the Church of Latter-Day Saints?
The Church of Latter-Day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church or the LDS Church) was founded by Joseph Smith. Mormons hold the Bible as a holy text, alongside their documents Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
While the Church of Latter-Day Saints describes itself as a restoration of the original church, many critics have noted Mormon theology that differs from orthodox Christian teaching. For example, Mormon theology teaches that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are three separate persons sharing the same purpose, while orthodox Christian teaching describes God as one being in three persons (also known as the Trinity).
The term “sacrament prayers” is especially associated with Mormon church practices. Mormons use bread and water as sacraments to remember Jesus at the Last Supper, with specific blessings said over the bread and water. The sacrament prayers are taken from the book of Mormon, from its final section, the Book of Moroni. Words attributed to the prophet Moroni discuss “administering the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church” properly.
Sacrament prayers are offered over the bread and water as a blessing before partaking in the elements. Mormons are expected to reflect on their lives and repent of their sins while taking the sacraments, achieving reconciliation with God.
According to an article in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints newsroom, Mormons gather for an approximately hour-long “sacrament” meeting, which includes prayers, sermons, hymns, and receiving the sacraments.
What Is the Sacrament of Prayer in the Roman Catholic Church?
Scholars shared that the Roman Catholic Church has seven holy sacraments: Baptism, Holy Communion (or Eucharist), Confirmation, Reconciliation(or Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Ordination. While some of these sacraments are received once, others are ongoing. For example, baptism is a one-time sacrament. Children are often baptized and later confirmed after taking classes for confirmation. Prayers are included with each sacrament.
Holy Communion can be received daily during mass, and at various other times during the day. If a person who is not Catholic attends worship service, they may be asked not to take Communion but to reflect on their faith journey. The person may go forward and receive a blessing from the priest
The Confirmation sacrament in the Roman Catholic Church happens when, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “the Holy Spirit completes the grace of baptism and offers the newly confirmed strength as a true witness of Christ.” When a person is confirmed, they are considered ready to share the message of faith and God. There are classes to be completed for confirmation.
The sacrament of Reconciliation involves Penance, Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Confession, and Conversion. When people admit their sins and seek forgiveness from God, they are called to be reconciled with God and not repeat those sins. Prayer is important in Reconciliation as this sacrament involves going to God and expressing true feelings.
The Anointing of the Sick sacrament is given to Catholics in danger due to sickness or old age. This may be referred to as the “Last Rites.” Perhaps you have known someone dying, and a priest was called to administer those rites. Part of this sacrament is to comfort. The sacrament may also involve the person confessing their sins and asking for forgiveness. Whatever the circumstance, prayer plays a particularly clear role in this sacrament.
Accord Catholic Marriage Service provides a helpful definition of the Marriage sacrament on their website: “The sacrament of Marriage is a lasting commitment of a man and a woman to a lifelong partnership, established for the good of each other and the procreation of their children.”
Ordination allows ordained people to give the elements of Communion. Those ordained may be considered leaders in the church.
Can Protestants Benefit from Seeing Prayer as a Sacrament?
Although Protestants may not see prayer as a sacrament like Mormons, or an important part of particular sacraments like Catholics, we can learn something by seeing prayer as sacramental. We must remember the importance of speaking with God. When we pray, we seek a relationship with God. Reading the Bible daily can provide a reminder of the importance of prayer.
Prayer is a vital part of Christianity. Prayer is our open door to conversation and deepening our faith. We can go to the Father anytime and seek answers, lament, give praise and thanksgiving, or enjoy sharing time with God.
Scripture tells us that we can find comfort in prayer.
Do you have particular ways to pray? Perhaps a prayer closet or designated part of your home for prayer time? Are you reading from a prayer book? Some people use prayers from the Bible or prayer cards to enter into conversation with God. As Christians, we can pray at any time and at any location.
Have you seen someone sitting in a church pew with their head bowed and eyes closed? Maybe they were entering into a time of private prayer. Other times, community prayer is spoken aloud. The Lord’s Prayer or a prayer of dedication for the offering are two instances where the congregation may pray in unison and out loud.
Does the person praying need to be dressed in a certain way or have their conscience free of mistakes and distractions? No. God is ready to meet with us at every moment. Some ways may guide you into meaningful time with God as you start to pray. Breathe deeply, close your eyes, and be still. Ask God to quiet your thoughts and help you focus on Him. Acknowledge He is God, confess sins, give thanksgiving to God, and ask for help.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Further Reading:
What Are the Sacraments of Christianity?
What Are the Articles of Faith of the Latter-Day Saints?
Photo Credit: Unsplash/JamesColeman
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
