How Do Mormons Worship?

Many people expect that those who profess to be “Christians” will wear a crucifix, and their chapels will display a cross. Some people would say that because The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon Church) doesn’t have the sign of the cross in their chapels and because Mormons don’t wear crosses, Mormons are not Christians. The sign of the cross is widely acknowledged by many as the symbol of Christianity, and it is the sign of faith of the people who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Most people would then comment that the Mormons are ‘peculiar’ people, for they are thought to be different from other Christian denominations that have common interests or beliefs. They often ask, “How Do Mormons Worship? Why are they different and what is its difference from other sects?”

Mormons do worship God in the most sacred manner. Mormons believe that God and His Son Jesus Christ live. “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:22). Meetinghouses of the LDS Church don’t have a sign of the cross at the top of it, nor do the members wear the cross as a symbol of their faith. The reason is that Mormons worship the Living Christ and focus on His resurrection and grace in their lives. No icons are used in Mormon chapels, because it’s so easy for people to begin to focus on the icons and not upon God. In Mormon meetinghouses and temples, there is always artwork depicting the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, but never in the chapel.

We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. (Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1&3).

Sacrament meeting attendance for Mormons is considered a commandment. This is where the sacraments of the Lord are offered and those covenants which members made at baptism are renewed each week. Mormons covenant to repent of their sins and take upon them the name of Christ and to always remember Him. In return the Lord promises His spirit always to be with them. Sacrament meeting lasts for about 75 minutes and includes “talks” by lay members. After sacrament meeting, there are various classes that take place. Mormon Sunday worship fills a block of three hours, after which more church-work can be done, since Mormonism has a lay clergy.

Visitors are welcome to attend the Sacrament meeting, the Sunday school class, the Relief Society class for women, and the Priesthood class for men every Sunday at the meetinghouses of the LDS Church. Members are encouraged to be prepare spiritually by reading the holy scriptures, sincere prayer, and doing good to all men (not just during Sunday) as a form of love, devotion and worship to God. There are also available classes for Seminary ages 12 thru 16 and Institute ages 17 and up on other days of the week to enhance our understanding about God, His Son Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation.

Temple worship is different for Mormons than Sunday worship. Mormon temples are open most days from very early in the morning, and patrons attend when they are able. There are many possible ordinances to participate in during a temple visit, and each touches the heart in a different way. Temples are light and peaceful places separate from the world, sanctuaries, Houses of God, where prayer and meditation might be practiced and revelation received.

Perhaps most of us will agree that the LDS Church is a very organized Church. People should not worry that any important question will be left unanswered, because these questions are so lovingly and carefully addressed by the Church according to the will of God. The LDS Church is sending thousands of missionaries out each year, creating beautiful and user-friendly websites, books, magazines, leaflets, and pamphlets, and lovely visitor centers adjacent to temples around the world to address these questions from those who want to know more about the Church and the basic doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Missionaries are primarily the ambassadors of the Church to teach the fullness of the everlasting gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

All people that are living today and all those who have ever lived here are children of God and therefore are entitled to the greatest blessings available on the condition of faith and obedience to all of His commandments. Someday all of us shall bow down before God and His Son Jesus Christ, and every doubt will be taken away.

The fear of the Lord was upon all nations, so great was the glory of the Lord, which was upon his people. And the Lord blessed the land, and they were blessed upon the mountains, and upon the high places, and did flourish. And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them. (Pearl of Great Price, Moses 7:17-18).

Until this time, Mormons wish to share the gospel with their brothers and sisters on the earth. Please join us at a temple open house and at our Sunday worship services.

References:
1) Doctrine and Covenants 76:22
2) Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1&3
3) Pearl of Great Price, Moses 7:17-18

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Mormons Made Simple

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism

Basic Mormon Beliefs and Real Mormons