In the final book of the Book of Mormon, Moroni provides some practical instruction about how to organize the church. He explains how to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost (Moroni 2), how to ordain priests and teachers (Moroni 3), and how to administer the sacrament (Moroni 4 and Moroni 5). He explains the importance of record-keeping and ministering, and then he talks briefly about the content of worship services:
Their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done.
Moroni 6:9
So their services included a variety of activities, including explanations, admonitions, prayers, and music, all under the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord.
The apostle Paul provided similar guidance to church members in Corinth:
When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
1 Corinthians 14:26
I love the fact in our Sunday meetings, everyone contributes in different ways. Sometimes I may be asked to prepare a talk. Sometimes I may raise my hand and share a thought during class. Sometimes I may share a musical number. Since everyone else has the opportunity to contribute as well, I spend most of my time at church listening, and that’s important too. Paul said, “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge” (1 Corinthians 14:29). Or in other words, “Assign two or three speakers, and let everyone else listen carefully and think about what they are saying.”
Today, I will be grateful for the opportunities I have to contribute within my congregation and also to benefit from the contributions of others.