We meet together often to fast and pray for the welfare of one another. We renew our covenants and promise to keep the commandments as we partake of the sacrament (see Moroni 4:3; 5:2; D&C 20:77, 79). Meetings are vital to the strengthening of the Saints of God as His word is taught and we are edified (see D&C 50:17–22). All meetings are to be conducted by the Holy Spirit—not precluding, of course, that we plan in advance through the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Lord has defined the pattern for meetings as the Saints are assembled together. It is given in D&C 43:8–10 and reproduced here in italics, with interposed commentary:
And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other [we are to teach and preach the word of God by the Spirit (see D&C 42:14; 50:17–22)], that ye may know how to act [including the instructions and responsibilities of one’s duties] and direct my church [lead those for whom we have stewardship responsibility], how to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given [to ensure that the doctrine being taught is true and appropriate and that all understand their individual responsibility to the commandments]. And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received [we are blessed by the Holy Spirit and are edified in that we are more saintly, more clean and pure before the Lord, having a great desire to do good and keep the commandments (see D&C 11:12–13)], and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me [we bind ourselves as we renew covenants and promise to keep the commandments by partaking of the sacrament while also making individual commitments to be better and serve our fellowmen]—That inasmuch as ye do this, glory shall be added to the kingdom which ye have received [when we do this, glory will be added to the kingdom of God through increased individual righteousness, more converts coming to Christ, more temple work done for the living and the dead]. Inasmuch as ye do it not, it shall be taken, even that which ye have received [meetings are serious and sacred and bring the great responsibility of guiding other people in the use of their time as well as the Lord’s; for this reason it is essential that we organize every needful thing and do our best to be effective as we are directed by the Spirit (D&C 43:8–10)].
Let us remember that our meetings should assist us in helping one another, as well as growing spiritually ourselves. Sacrament meeting in particular is important for renewing our covenants. We meet together oft to fast and pray and to speak to one another concerning the welfare of others. We fast and pray for those who know not God (see Alma 6:6). We fast and pray to become full of the love of Christ (see Moroni 7:48). We fast and pray to become even as He is (see 3 Nephi 27:27). We fast and pray that we might stand as witnesses (see Mosiah 18:8–9). We fast and pray to become firm in our faith and strengthened in our humility (see Helaman 3:35). Then we covenant to do these things as we partake of the sacrament. All of this brings us together in unity as the fold of Christ. Elder Carlos E. Asay articulates the principle of unity as fostered through our Church gatherings:
Many years ago, President Joseph F. Smith counseled Church members:
It is imperatively necessary, at all times, and especially so when our associations do not afford us the moral and spiritual support which we require for our advancement, that we go to the house of the Lord to worship and mingle with the Saints, that their moral and spiritual influence may help to correct our false impressions and restore us to that life which the duties and obligations or our conscience and true religion impose upon us. (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1939], 243; italics added)
Beyond the family, no affiliation is more important or sanctifying than that found within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was the Apostle Paul who said of those who took upon them the name of Christ, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). It was Moroni who wrote about Church members and meetings, “The church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls” (Moroni 6:5). Both Paul and Moroni knew the importance of mingling with good people.
There is truth in the saying that a family who prays together stays together. The same can be said of worshiping together, for it is through worship that family members are drawn closer, the family receives the support of friends and neighbors, and the family allows God to become a vital part of their lives. (Family Pecan Trees: Planting a Legacy of Faith at Home [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1992], 195–196)