A short story by Brad Wilcox from his book “The Continuous Atonement for Teens.” Just as a priest can begin again if he doesn’t get the sacrament prayer right, we too can begin again when we make mistakes in our life.
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Brad Wilcox has always been a favorite speaker of mine. His book “The Continuous Atonement for Teens” did not disappoint either. Even though it says it’s for teens, I got so much out of it and got so excited for my teenagers to read it as well. It’s a fairly short book, easy read yet very profound. Many insights I had not thought of before in regards to the Atonement. Here is one of his stories taken from the book.
The young priest drops to his knees to read the prayer. “O God, the Eternal Father,” he begins. His voice sounds shaky and unsure. “We ask thee in the name of Jesus Christ – “ Silence. Although few members of the congregation can recite the sacrament prayers from memory, most are familiar enough with them that they can recognize when something didn’t sound quite right. So can the young priest. So can his companions. So can the bishop – to whom the boy looks for direction.
The bishop makes eye contact and nods gently, indicating that the young man should begin again. He does. “O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this water –“ Silence. He is blessing the bread. Oh no! Again, the boy looks to the bishop, who indicates he needs to start once more.
My friend Brett Sanders once pointed out to me that in such a moment we learn a great deal about the Savior’s Atonement. The sacrament prayers must be offered word for word. The bishop has the responsibility to verify that they are spoken flawlessly. So what happens when the person saying the prayer doesn’t get it right? Is he replaced, ridiculed, or rejected? No. That’s not the Savior’s way. But can the bishop just overlook the problem? No. He can’t. The Lord requires the prayers to be perfect.
Although the sacramental prayers have to be perfect, and that expectation cannot be lowered, the priest is given a second chance, and a third – as many times as it takes. There is no trapdoor that opens up once he has gone too far. The bishop simply nods, and the priesthood holder starts over until he finally gets the prayer right. No matter how many mistakes are made and corrected along the way, the final outcome is counted as perfect and acceptable.
God, like the bishop, cannot lower the standard that we ultimately become perfect (see Matthew 5:48; 3 Nephi 12:48), but He can give us many opportunities to start again. Like the young priest, we are all given the time we need to correct our mistakes. Perfection is our long-term goal, but for now our goal is progress in that direction – continuous progress that is possible only through the continuous Atonement.
Image from mormonhub.com
May we all keep moving forward on our road to perfection and know that perfection does not come overnight. Perfection comes line upon line. No matter how many times we fall down and have to get back up again, no matter how many mistakes are made and corrected along the way, as Brad Wilcox says, “the final outcome is counted as perfect and acceptable” thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
For a beautiful picture to display called “Sacrament Meeting”, Click HERE
Be sure and check out more of Brad’s books on Amazon:
Yours Truly,
P.S. Stories are a powerful way to teach gospel principles. The Savior is a great example of this as the scriptures are filled with stories and parables that He taught during His ministry. Be sure you are kept aware of all the newest short stories that are shared here in Melanie’s Library by signing up for inspiring resources to be delivered right to your inbox! Sign up today 🙂
