All Those Who Partake of It – Moroni 4:3

3 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
(Moroni 4:3)

Moroni tells us earlier in this chapter that the elders and priests who administered the sacrament did so “according to the commandments of Christ; wherefore we know the manner to be true” (Moroni 4:1). The priesthood holders who bless and pass the bread and water during sacrament meeting consistently ensure that they are following the instructions they have been given, so that the ordinance conforms to the will of God. How can we as participants in the ordinance ensure that we are also following God’s will as we partake?

The words of the sacrament prayer are directed to Heavenly Father, but they contain important instructions for us. In particular, they instruct us to:

1. Remember the Savior’s atoning sacrifice as we partake
2. Reaffirm that we are keeping the promises we made at baptism
3. Willingly receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost

Elder David A. Bednar has taught:

The ordinance of the sacrament is a holy and repeated invitation to repent sincerely and to be renewed spiritually. The act of partaking of the sacrament, in and of itself, does not remit sins. But as we prepare conscientiously and participate in this holy ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the promise is that we may always have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us. And by the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can always retain a remission of our sins (“Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins,” General Conference, April 2016).

Today, I will prepare to receive the sacrament. Just as the priests, teachers, and deacons in my congregation will do their part to ensure that the ordinance is performed according to the Savior’s instructions, I will ensure that I am prepared to do my part — to remember the Savior, to reaffirm my commitment to my baptismal covenant, and to invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost into my life — so that I can receive the full blessings of participating in this ordinance of the gospel.