The Sacrament and Your Endowment

by Mark A. Shields

We often talk about renewing our baptismal covenants every Sunday when we take the sacrament, but sometimes we forget that the sacrament renews our temple covenants, too. Mark A. Shields helps readers understand the connection between the sacrament and the endowment. There are so many ways these two ordinances support each other as they both point us back to Christ.

From the ancient tabernacle in the Old Testament to the intricacies of the prayers, line by line and precept upon precept, Shields meticulously uncovers the profound lessons embedded in this sacred ordinance. Grounded in the scriptures and teachings of inspired Church leaders, this book becomes the key to unlocking the full potential of your sabbath worship experience.

Whether you seek a deeper connection or a broader understanding, The Sacrament and Your Endowment is the guide you’ve been waiting for to enhance and elevate your sacrament worship and your relationship with Heavenly Father, and His son Jesus Christ. By delving into the depths of the Lord’s Supper, you’ll transform the habitual practice of taking the sacrament into an enriching and fulfilling experience that fosters a spiritual connection that transcends routine.

Genres: Nonfiction, Lds

149 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2024

Reviews

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never thought about the connection of the sacrament and the endowment.
The author. broke down each phrase in the sacrament prayers and defined what
each meant to him. There were insights from scripture, general authorities, and
the author.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Such great insight into the sacrament.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark, you know I love you, but you almost killed me with the edits that still need to be corrected in this text, but there were some great nuggets. Thank you for the great read!

"I believe this ordinance is therefore a key to getting the Lord and His law inside of us, even to our center, to the point where our will becomes His will, and our thoughts become harmonized with His thoughts. What better way to accomplish this than to always remember the Savior, as we promise to do in the sacramental covenant?"

"As we partake of the sacramental bread and water each week, we would do well to consider how fully and completely we must incorporate His character and the pattern of His sinless life into our life and being. Jesus could not have atoned for the sins of others unless He Himself was sinless. Since justice had no claim on Him, He could offer Himself in our place to satisfy justice and then extend mercy. As we remember and honor His atoning sacrifice, we should also contemplate His sinless life."

"The sacrament is a wonderful time to count our blessings. As we do so, our hearts are prepared for the rebirth He brings through the sacrament."

"The principal difference between the words of the prayer on the bread and the prayer on the water is this word willing. Simply put, there is a progression between being willing to do things and actually doing things that is expressed in comparing the bread to the water prayer."

"All day long, we carry on a thought process that is really just a conversation with ourselves. Some of us have trouble sleeping because we can’t shut off this conversation. Why not turn this conversation into one with Heavenly Father? Why not channel the constant thoughts into the Savior, His teachings, His example, and the blessings He makes possible?"

"...the blessings God promise us as we worthily participate in the ordinance of the sacrament include the ministering of angels."

"Law of Obedience, which includes striving to keep God’s commandments. Law of Sacrifice, which means doing all we can to support the Lord’s work and repenting with a broken heart and contrite spirit. Law of the Gospel, which is the higher law that He taught while He was on the earth. Law of Chastity, which means that we have sexual relations only with the person to whom we are legally and lawfully wedded according to God’s law. Law of Consecration, which means dedicating our time, talents, and everything with which the Lord has blessed us to building up Jesus Christ’s Church on the earth."

"...we are never too old to need this renewal. We are never too old for the sacrament. We will never outgrow it. We will never outgrow the commandments to have faith, to repent, and to renew, and the Lord certainly never outgrows His desire to bless us with His Spirit."

"The spiritual rebirth that is baptism, and all that leads to it, is a process that must be repeated again and again."

"Another part of the baptismal covenant is to serve others and bear their burdens, that they may be light. This is a form of sacrifice, which feeds back into the principle of repentance."

"I think the most important thing really is to keep on climbing. And the sacrament makes that so much more manageable because taking the sacrament is climbing. It is stepping forward; it is moving upward."

"Queen Elizabeth’s coronation has been transcribed and even filmed and available for decades. Her ceremony included multiple temple reference scriptures, making sacred vows, being anointed on various parts of her body, being clothed in robes to distinguish her in her new office, and being crowned. Throughout the centuries, monarchs also took upon themselves a new name as a title at their coronation, but Elizabeth chose to retain her given name."

"Oil is a scriptural symbol for the Holy Ghost."

"The temple garment is a beautiful emblem of the Atonement itself! I can’t help but think that people would be far more respectful of the temple garment if they saw it for what it is, an emblem of the Atonement."

[George Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovering a book that delves deeply into the sacred realms of sacraments, ordinances, and doctrines can be a transformative experience. That's precisely what I found in this remarkable piece of literature. The author's insightful coverage not only serves as a review but also ignites profound contemplation within the reader.
Every week, as I partake of the sacrament, this book becomes a guiding light, refocusing my thoughts and reflections. Its pages are filled with wisdom that elevates the significance of this sacred ritual, making each moment of communion with the divine more meaningful.
From start to finish, this book captivated me with its wealth of points to ponder. It's a testament to the author's deep understanding of the subject matter and their ability to convey it in a compelling manner. Having received an advanced copy, I can confidently say that my recommendation comes from the heart.
In a world where it's easy to take the familiar for granted, this book serves as a reminder of the profound significance of the Lord's sacrament. It invites readers to explore its meaning with fresh eyes, fostering opportunities for reflection and personal growth. My journey through its pages was nothing short of enlightening, and I believe it holds the same potential for anyone seeking deeper spiritual understanding.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse this book as a valuable resource for anyone looking to enrich their understanding of the sacrament. Its insights are both thought-provoking and enriching, offering a pathway to a more profound connection with divine ordinances. Whether you're seeking to deepen your spiritual practice or simply curious about the sacramental experience, this book is a must-read.
I received an ARC copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved learning gospel insights from Mark Shields since my vision was expanded while reading "Your Endowment" in 2015, so I was excited to buy this the day it came out. I will admit that it took a lot of effort for me to get through the first two sections. I found it to be like reading lecture notes, though very thorough, and I just wanted to get to the part that connected the sacrament to the endowment already. I do see how those beginning sections are necessary for laying the groundwork for definitions and analysis so that the reader would be in the same frame of mind when the author presented his big teachings, and it was worth the wait.

Part Three is where things really started to pick up and get exciting. I loved connecting the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis directly to the 5 endowment covenants. And then Mark's enthusiasm shines through as he guides you in seeing how Jacob's ladder/staircase makes even more sense when you add the element of the sacrament. I appreciate this imagery and how it fills in my gospel understanding. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper truly points us repeatedly to Christ, much like the Law of Moses did anciently. I also really liked the sections on the tabernacle and other temple symbolism. When I finished the book, I felt the Spirit testify that these are important and sacred things. I see a lot of these things echoed in Elder Renlund's BYU devotional "Lifelong Conversion" from September 2021.

My dad also bought the book and said he read it in one day and loves it, especially the parts about coronations and the tabernacle (those are his favorite gospel subjects).

[Karen Hiatt Brace · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Appreciation for the Sacrament and the Temple

Oh! I am feeling the Spirit very strong right now so I will be short.
I have highlighted a lot of this book. I frequently found myself rereading several paragraphs of this book to let the information sink in. I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since I was a child. I am a parent who taught her children to quietly and reverently take the Sacrament. I and two of my children have received their endowments. After reading this book I have a new appreciation for the Sacrament and my Temple Endowments. I have been studying about the Sacrament for the better part of the year this book has increased my knowledge, respect, appreciation and understanding of the Sacrament how it is related to Temple Endowments. The book has also increased my love and appreciation for our Savior, Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost and the many seen and unseen things the do for us.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Currently reading this book that connects the symbolism of the Sacrament and endowment ordinances of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It has clarified some of my thinking on the purpose of the Sacrament ordinance and inspired a lot of thoughts for future study. With two toddlers at home, preparing for and participating in the Sacrament doesn’t have the same focus as it did before babies. So far this text seems to be a thorough compilation of quotes and ideas to help me improve my focus in the limited space I have to offer. Some chapters have more of a lecture feel and take a little more effort for me to read through (again, with the toddlers).
I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher, and am sharing my honest opinion. Hoping to update my review after finishing this read.

[Andrew Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up I was taught to make my prayers meaningful not rote, and repetitive. Yet often when we participate in ordinances and covenant making we do so without giving them much thought. The sacrament becomes a common thing we do each week, but as this book points out it's the most important part of our weekly worship service. The author helps us understand this sacred ordinance better and how it relates to our other covenants and our temple service. Well written and very engaging I enjoyed reading this and gaining a better understanding.

I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book from the publisher however the opinions are my own.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read this book, began to get the feeling that I was sitting in General Conference, listening to an amazing talk. This insightful and educational journey seems like it was never ending, as we often as we wish many deep and profound talks we hear could go on, and on with more information. Connections are made in my mind in my heart that I had never fathomed before. I kept picking up this book and reading a little further at every moment I had a chance. It is worth every moment of your time to bring the teachings of this book into your life. I received an advanced readers copy of this book, but the review is totally my own thoughts..

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I will for sure want to reread from time to time. I just really love how the author ties in the symbolism of the temple endowment with symbolism in the Sacrament. He makes the statement, "Increased understanding brings increased appreciation." Coming to the end of this book, I feel a definite increase of understanding & appreciation for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for meaning in symbols, for sacred covenants, for the Lord's Sacrament and a desire to remember the importance & holiness of these things.

I received an ARC e-book copy to read & review, from Cedar Fort Publications. Any opinions expressed are my own.

[Tafta Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written book. It is easy to understand. It highlights many familiar concepts and puts them into a context that ties the sacrament and the temple endowment together.

After reading this book, I have greater clarity about the sacrament and the endowment. I also have many ideas to contemplate and pray about, especially in the temple.

Thank you for piquing my desire to bring the sacrament and the temple together in my understanding and my efforts to draw closer to the Savior.

I recommend this book.

I received an advanced copy of this book but was not influenced in any way for my review.

[Jaclyn Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a very beautiful, thorough study of the sacrament in a simple, easy to read and easy to understand way. I would definitely recommend it! I did take 1 star off, though, because I thought the whole first part (part 1 of 3) was a bit slow and surface level. But parts 2 and 3 were deep and really wonderful! Part 1 is titled "A brief overview of the sacrament of the Lord's last supper", part 2 is "The Sacrament prayers", and part 3 "The sacrament and the temple". I received an advanced readers copy of "The Sacrament and Your Endowment" by these opinions are my own.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of insights on many types of covenants that we renew with the Sacrament

This approaches the Sacrament and the many different covenants that we renew when we partake of the bread and water each week.

It goes into more detail and a wider area of things most don’t normally think about when discussing the Sacrament.

This will enrich your understanding and help you more fully appreciate this sacred ordinance.

I learned a number of new things and found value in reading this book.

[Terrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. The author explains the correlation between the sacrament and the endowment, both anciently and in modern days, in an easy to understand and uplifting way. I have gained a greater appreciation for the importance of the sacrament. I received an advance copy of this book but all opinions are my own.

[Ann Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read any of Mark A Shields books before, but it will be a name I look for in the future.
The author deals with this important and sacred subject in a respectful way, and you cannot help but feel his sheer enthusiasm as you read through the pages.
I received an ARC copy, but all the comments are my own.

[Kimber Cutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the insights is connecting the temple and sacrament! I read it really slowly over a few months so it was nice to have new thoughts from the book each time attended the temple or partook of the sacrament. A rare book i bought a physical copy of with my own dollars, that means A LOT coming from me! A great in depth book!

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great review of how the sacrament prayers are different and their meaning and then an exploration of how the sacrament parallels elements of the Abrahamic covenant, Jacob's 'staircase', and the tabernacle.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting coverage of sacraments and ordinances and doctrines. Good review and got me thinking pretty deeply.

[Brooke ONeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book and helps me to refocus my thoughts and reflections as I partake of the sacrament each week. Would highly recommend.

[J davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with lots of points to ponder and how to make your sacrament more meaningful I have received an advanced copy of this book but all opinions are my own

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly enlightening. Highly recommend.

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. The author made some interesting connections I had not thought of so I am grateful for new insights and perspective.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Made my sacrament experience more meaningful. Highly recommend.

[Cami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much!

This completely changed my way of thinking of the sacrament. This book is awesome and packed with countless insights that will add so much to your sacrament and temple worship.