Sweet Communion

What does communion mean? I love words and I love knowing their exact definitions, so when we came across that word in Relief Society today, I decided to look it up. I came across four definitions:

1. the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level.
2. the bond uniting Christians as individuals with Jesus.
3. spiritual union
4. entering a close relationship with Christ.

I also found several synonyms: friendship, connection, communication, unity, understanding, closeness, togetherness, harmony.

We often associate the idea of communion with the ordinance of the sacrament. The sacrament is a time for us to renew sacred covenants with God. As the Bible Dictionary explains: "in partaking of the sacrament emblems, one seeks fellowship with the Master". President David O. McKay further explains that during the sacrament we each have "an opportunity to search ourself introspectively and to consider our worthiness or unworthiness to partake of the sacrament. Ours is the privilege of getting closer to our Father in Heaven".

That's really what communion is all about. It's about getting closer to God. How amazing is it that the God of the universe wants to commune with us? He wants to develop a connection and a friendship with each of His children. He knows us individually. He knows our desires, thoughts, and hearts. We once knew Him on a face-to-face level in the pre-mortal existence. We walked and talked with Him. He is yearning for us to remember Him in this life and to develop a personal, close relationship with Him. 

I believe that it is just as hard for our Father in Heaven to be separated from us as it is for us to be separated from Him. But it had to be this way. Thus, He provided a way for us to communicate with Him: the Holy Ghost. And because we have the Holy Ghost as our companion, we are able to commune with our Father at any time and any place, but most especially during the sacrament. 

How do revelation and inspiration operate? Each person has a built-in “receiving set” which, when fine-tuned, can be a receiver of divine communications. Said Job, “There is a spirit in man: and … the Almighty giveth them understanding” (Job 32:8). It is possible, like Nephi, to be led completely by the Spirit, “not knowing beforehand” that which should be done (see 1 Ne. 4:6). -Pres. Faust

So how do we tap into this special communication with our Father? The scriptures illuminate some important principles. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, we are taught that we cannot be yoked to both light and darkness. We cannot serve both God and man. Once we have decided we are truly on the side of truth and light, we are taught in Jarom 1:4 that we must not be stiffnecked and we must have faith. In other words, we need to be humble, meek, and willing to accept and trust in God's will.

Perhaps the greatest way we are able to be in
God's presence is through meditation. Pres. McKay states that

Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord. 

Jesus set the perfect example when it comes to mediation and the benefits that come from that connection with the Father. After being baptized, Jesus went to the mount of temptation (or what Pres. McKay refers to as the mount of meditation). There He spent forty days and nights fasting and communing with the Father.

One result of this spiritual communion was such strength as enabled him to say to the tempter:“… Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matt. 4:10.)

Spiritual communion through meditation gives us the strength to say no to the tempter. We are able to tell Satan to depart just as Christ and Moses did.

The Sacrament is a sacred and special time for us to apply the divine principle of meditation and reflection. It is a time for us to draw closer to God and hear what He has to say. I know that God is yearning for us to develop a close relationship with Him. He wants us to know that He is there for us. He knows us and wants to help us. We can seek His help and companionship if we only utilize the precious gift of the Holy Ghost that He has given us. Listen to the Holy Ghost. In doing so we will know the will of our Father in Heaven.

Let us make God the center of our lives. … To have communion with God, through his Holy Spirit, is one of the noblest aspirations of life. It is when the peace and love of God have entered the soul, when serving him becomes the motivating factor in one’s life and existence. 

-Pres. McKay

Teachings cited:
--Teaching of President David O. McKay, Lesson 4, "Elements of Worship"
--April 1980 General Conference, James E. Faust, "Communion with the Holy Ghost"