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Questions and Answers - On Administering the Sacrament

TitleQuestions and Answers - On Administering the Sacrament
Publication TypeMagazine Article
Year of Publication1902
AuthorsNicholson, John
MagazineImprovement Era
Volume5
Issue Number6
Pagination473-474
Date PublishedApril 1902
Type of ArticleQuestions and Answers
KeywordsCovenant; Priesthood Ordinance; Sacrament

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On Administering the Sacrament.

Is it proper, according to Church laws, in administering the sacrament when two or more are officiating, for two to kneel together; or should only one kneel at a time?

The reader is referred to the Doctrine and Covenants, sec. 20:75-79and to the Book of Mormon, Moroni 4:1,3; 5:1,2. It is customary and proper for the two who officiate in the administration of the sacrament to kneel together while the prayer is being said. In the early part of the history of the Church, when the congregrations were not so large as they are now, it was not unusual for the congregation also to kneel, but it is now both customary and proper for those two who administer the holy sacrament to kneel with the congregation; and it is also in conformity with what would seem to have been the custom of the ancient inhabitants of this continent, as declared in Moroni 4:2: "And they did kneel down with the Church, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ saying," etc. This matter, however, may be regulated by the presiding anthority, according to local surroundings, circumstances, and conditions, though a uniform method conformable to the above is desirable.

Scripture Reference

Moroni 4:1-5:2