The Holy Invitation: Understanding Your Sacred Temple Endowment

by Anthony Sweat

The Holy Invitation offers an insightful introduction to the temple, helping young adults and new converts better comprehend the eternal truths taught in the Lord's house. This short book explores the temple experience from three different vantage points: the why, drawing upon a fictional metaphor with parallels to the temple; the what, exploring the history of the endowment; and the how, applying the metaphor, Church history, and the endowment to us. This three-part approach allows readers to learn in a way that relates best to them individually and helps those who are new to the temple have a richer, deeper temple experience with room for continued growth. As illustrated by metaphor, history, and application, the Lord extends to each one of us a holy invitation: an invitation to enter His temple, to learn of Him and His ways, and to prepare to come back into His presence.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Church, Spirituality, Audiobook, Christian

81 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Anthony Sweat is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. He received a BFA in painting and drawing from the University of Utah and his MEd and PhD in curriculum and instruction from Utah State University.

Before joining the religion faculty at BYU, he worked for thirteen years with Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. Dr. Sweat is the author of several books and articles related to the teachings and history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His research centers on factors that influence effective religious education. As a practicing artist, his paintings center on religious themes, including underrepresented events in Church history. Anthony and his wife, Cindy, are the parents of seven children and reside in Springville, Utah.

Reviews

[Linda Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for any member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who has already been, or is planning to attend the temple. The author's following comfort brought me understanding and peace:
“It is possible that as you begin to participate in this ancient order you may feel a little uncertain at times, but remember that many people feel uncertain when experiencing something unfamiliar, even when it’s right and good. Rest assured, ‘All that occurs within the walls of the temple is uplifting and ennobling,’ but don’t confuse being uplifted with being fully comfortable and familiar . . . Don’t flee from this discomfort or think it is erroneous. Like Jacob, wrestle with what God and His angels place in front of you. This wrestle will enable God to bless you to see Him more clearly.”

Overall, it was a great reminder of how and why we worship. I have attended temple session many times in the past 60 years but this little book has helped me to look at the endowment with new eyes and a changed heart. I "read" the audio version, which I have enjoyed listening to 3 times and will certainly listen again.

[Brittany K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read. I’ve tried to find a temple book that I can really relate to. So far no luck. One good take-away from this one, for me, is that it’s ok if you sit through the temple ceremonies and things seem a little wiggety-wack. Okay, the author didn’t use those exact words, but he had a great way of explaining that the temple ordinances are meant to span ages, cultures, and time. They aren’t meant to be simple or easily understood. They are going to be uncomfortable. They might seem weird. They will raise many questions. That’s part of their purpose. I appreciate the way Anthony Sweat doesn’t tell his readers/listeners what to do or how to feel. Instead, he has a great way of guiding us to discover our own answers.

[Maren bosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the sweet simplicity of this book. It gave me a new perspective on the Temple endowment. I got a lot out of the metaphor in the book and especially the footnotes. I'm excited to share this with my kids as they prepare for their own temple experience.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about this little book when the author was a guest on an episode of Real Talk, Come Follow Me and this book was discussed. I read it through the Deseret Bookshelf app. I attended the temple for the first time 33 years ago and I still learned several things from reading this informative book. I especially liked the chapter with the metaphor story. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone going to the temple to receive their endowment or even those who attend the temple regularly.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Nothing groundbreaking but still useful.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book giving insights into temple worship and learning. It seems like it would be great for those new to the temple and those preparing to go (I gave my pre-mission son a copy for Christmas). But I also really enjoyed it, and recommend it for seasoned temple-goers too. I liked the concepts of "Know, Feel, Do" in relation to the temple and to gospel living in general. I highlighted several of the cited scriptures in my scripture app, and tagged them as related to the temple. These scriptures give new meaning when looked at through this perspective. I have a new resolve to live my temple covenants more fully and intentionally, and to learn more as I attend the temple. I'm teetering between giving this little book 4 stars or 5 stars!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview and preparation for attending the LDS temple. I really like the straightforward and approachable way Anthony Sweat teaches!

[Chrisanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Solid 2.5 for me. It was a book club pick. Tertiary sources are not my first choice when I want info. I'm also wary of popular figures that make money off their popularity.

I disagreed semi-strongly with several choices made. But it wasn't my book, nor was I the editor. But that's why I rounded down.

[Mauri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could re-read this book a dozen times and still make new connections. A wonderful resource about the LDS temple endowment. My favorite part is the story of the commoner and the king, which is allegorical for our journey back to meet God.

[Anna Parson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Great in depth look into the endowment and the history of it. Loved the metaphor he used, I learned a lot.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book with important insights, I just wanted there to be a little more to it.
2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book set somewhere you'd like to visit in 2021

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this one! It gave me a fresh perspective of the temple endowment. Plus, I really loved this professor and miss taking his classes!!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After listening to and reading Anthony Sweat’s BYU 2022 devotional, We Need An Endowment (https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/anthon...), I knew I wanted to check out his books on the temple.

This little book on the temple was insightful, digestible, and gave me some good ideas to implement to get the most out of my temple worship experience. I wish I would have read this years ago. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to get more out of their temple experiences.

[Brittaney Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟 I think I just wanted a tiny bit more out of this tiny book! I took a lot from the “know, feel, do” concept and the varying ways he applied it to our mental, spiritual and physical progression. I’m eager to go to the temple and look forward to a lifetime of learning, progress and growth.

[Cassidy Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and beautiful. Makes me excited to go to the temple. Wish I could experience reading this every time before I go to the temple.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars
Eighth Book of 2024

A good primer, but nothing exceptional. I think I would have been better prepared by just reading some church-produced resources over this one. However, I am looking forward to reading Anthony Sweat's follow-up to this, The Holy Covenants, which should get to more of the root of what I am hoping to learn before going through the temple for the first time.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very brief, excellent introduction to temple worship for those preparing to attend the temple or desiring greater understanding of the ordinances there. I think it’s the best introductory book I’ve read and would definitely recommend it.

[Jordan Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a great analogy in this book about going through the temple. I thought it was very interesting! I wish it went into more detail as most points were high level summaries.

[Cami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been studying temples and gospel symbolism for years and am now writing a children's book on the subject, so I picked up this book when it came on the scene. I absolutely love how it so simply shares so much! The "know, feel, do" principle can be applied to so many gospel settings and definitely will enrich the temple experience. The author clearly has a great understanding of the temple's importance and style of teaching (in symbols and rituals), and he makes it so accessible here! I would recommend anyone endowed or preparing to become endowed read this book. It would have been interesting to read this before going in the temple for the first time and then again afterwards because even more would be illuminated in its pages, which is precisely the way the temple is experienced (learning more each time you go and seeing gospel principles in new light after gaining further light and knowledge in the temple). Great read.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this little book and I’m excited to read the others. I love his explanations and scriptures he uses to help us understand better the reason for the temple. This is a great book for those getting ready to enter the temple, those who’ve recently been through, and for those who’ve been attending for 20+ years. I got a copy for my son on his mission who’s been requesting more books on the temple and this small and lightweight copy will be easy for him to travel with.

My notes:

The temple prepares us to meet god
Washing ourselves before we enter. Anointed and endowed.

The ordinances in the endowment are more like a dress rehearsal for what will one day be a very real experience for all who are to come into God‘s exalting presence and become an air of his fullness (doctrine and covenants 93:1 and 19- 20). although the endowment is a gift of many things, the ultimate definition of the word endowment is the power and capacity to come into the presence of God to receive a fullness of his blessings. In other words, it is to know him, truly know him. It is to have him minister to you or as Joseph once said to have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend to you or appearing to you from time to time, and even he will manifest the father onto you. Well, it isn’t necessary to literally see God in this lifetime. What is required is for us to learn the patterns to be in the Lord‘s presence spiritually. We must become members of Christ Kingdom. We need to demonstrate our loyalty and faithfulness to the Lord through faith and repentance, becoming justified and sanctified by his grace. we must be obedient and chased, willing to sacrifice and consecrate all to the God we love. We need to become cleansed, anointed, closed, and instructed, to follow the necessary, ordinances, covenant, In-laws that allow us to approach the throne of our heavenly king. This is the process by which we are taken out of the world and made ready to see God. When this happens, our King calls us to not only come into his presence, but also to partake of the fullness of his exalting blessings. He takes commoners like you and me and invites us to inherit, thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers together with him in eternity ( doctrine and covenants 132:19) pg 27-28

Participating in the endowment ordinances, you ritually experienced what prophets have actually experienced. 44

Know, feel, do
God requires our minds, hearts and actions
45
Matthew 7:7 ask (feel), seek (know) knock (do)
D&C 19:23 learn, listen, walk
When participating in the endowment ordinances, including initiatory, three great great questions to ask yourself are what does the Lord want me to know from this experience? What does the Lord want me to feel from this experience? And what does the Lord want me to do because of this experience?
Mystery is another word for this lack of obvious familiarity. If the endowment experience felt like a typical sacrament meeting or regular church or school class, it would be severely lacking. Mystery is the revelatory vehicle to help transport your mind and heart to other realms- in this case, the realm of heaven. If at first you find yourself bewildered about some things, and that causes you to study, think, and pray, then the endowment ceremonies are effectively doing their job.
as mystery transports you to unknown realms ask God questions about his teaching methods. Why are we doing this? What does that suggest? What does this room symbolize? What could this phrase mean? What might this clothing imply? How could that symbol be interpreted? What could that gesture represent? How is this related to that? All of these questions should be asked in the spirit of reference and weakness. This is because they truly humble and teachable get God‘s answers to their questions.(d&c112:10) . The Lord has said that his thoughts and ways are not your thoughts and ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) so instead of criticizing his approach because it might be confusing or isn’t how you may have done it, inquire of the Lord why he does what he does and what it could mean. Pg48-49
This isn’t just a gospel of knowing and doing but it is a gospel of becoming. How can I better consecrate or dedicate my time to building God‘s kingdom? What actions would God have me take to consecrate my talents to building his kingdom? What can I do to about live my covenants?57

The temple is a House of Revelation. When you have a personal trial, problem, or decision that would benefit from divine direction, participate in the endowment ordinances with that question in your mind.58
As you worship, pay attention to inspire thoughts in your mind and feelings in your heart regarding your individual concerns and ask God what he would have you do. Act diligently upon the promptings you received that are in line with his well, your stewardship, and the words of the modern profits.

Power comes through ordinances and covenants so pay close attention to the covenants and their associated blessings. Ask yourself how do I understand these covenants? How do I live these covenants? How do I let these covenants bless and change me? Be grateful for the opportunity to make further and deeper covenants with God, bringing added power into your daily life.

As an endowed Latter-day Saint, you are a vested ambassador of the Lord. You’re one of his servants, armed with power from the ordinances and knowledge of the temple. Through the sacred temple garment, you literally take a piece of the temple home to remind you of the covenant you have made, and their associated promises, and to provide spiritual power from the savior against the adversary and his work. Always treat the sacred emblem of the temple with respect.66

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a quick and easy read that helps you understand how and why the Temple is important to attend and why it is organized the way it is. This book is for everyone who has a desire to make their temple service more meaningful.

[Alec · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick read which I really enjoyed for what it was, an introduction to what one might expect when going to the temple. The book was written primarily for those going for the first time or those returning after a long absence, though there is plenty for a regular temple attendee to consider. I appreciated Mr. Sweat's straightforward approach to talking about the temple, use of footnotes to reference material available online and in other sources, and the way this made some topics feel more approachable.

I love the temple, I love what it stands for and for the feelings I have when I'm there. I am grateful to live on earth during the dispensation of the fullness of times, when all God's blessings are available to His children- the temple is where the greatest of those blessings are made available.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I want you all to know God, to be familiar with him... When we know how to come to him, [God] begins to unfold the heavens to us and tell us all about it.”
—Joseph Smith

The word endowment is commonly defined today in the Church as a "gift," but importantly, the word endowment also means a, "capacity, power, or ability."
…The power and capacity of high priests like Melchizedek and Enoch-great, ancient high priests who'd had the ability to seal people to eternal life and "to stand in the presence of God" (JST-Genesis 14:31).

..endowment is the power and capacity to come into the presence of God to receive a fullness of His blessings.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first heard about Anthony Sweat when he was a featured guest on the Follow Him Podcast. His discussion points on Doctrine & Covenants Section 88 were incredible and something I'd never heard in my 20 years of temple attendance and lifetime church membership. It made me want to learn more..a lot more. And also improve how I learned in the temple. This is a short read, but Sweat introduces some basic concepts and questions that will help each reader figure it out on their own. It's certainly given me a fresh perspective on the greater purpose of the temple and the infinite learning possibilities there. Highly recommended and a great gift for those going through the temple for their first time.

[Jessica Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little book regarding the sacred temple endowment. Even though I have been attending the temple for many years I appreciated some thoughts presented. I especially liked the metaphor of the commonor and the king. That was my favorite part of the book and look forward to reading that chapter again. I think this would be a nice reading that isn't too long or overwhelming to those looking to receive his or her own endowment, or those newly endowed.

[Torrie Cypers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short/quick read. Already being endowed it didn’t give a lot of new insight but I would highly recommend to someone recently endowed or those that will be going through the temple for the first time. I wish I could’ve read this before I was endowed. I think it would bring a lot of peace and clarity to those that are nervous about attending the temple for the first time.

[Ethan Cleverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4)
A solid book that I was given to read before I went to the temple. An under hour read with some good insights and a solid story/metaphor. I mean a lot of this information is stuff ive been taught before and already knew though I still found some good information and lines that I’ll try to keep with me.

[Sally Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this together with my son who was preparing to receive his temple endowments. It’s a short read that tells a wonderful little parable that just helps us understand the need for the endowment and how we can prepare to return to our Heavenly Father. Reading this together was particularly meaningful and gave us some great insights to discuss together. I now keep a copy in my temple bag.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is highly recommended to anyone who is either preparing to go to the temple for the first time, or if you love the temple and feel the need to get more out of your worship. A wonderful little book.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me a lot to think about with temple covenants, relationships and entering into the Lord’s presence. I’m interested to read his next book which goes into more detail on the covenants and living and endowed life.