Rethinking Sunday Worship

I have always loved attending church and listening to the uplifting messages every week, but recently I read something that's changed my perspective about church and other like meetings that have speakers and teachers. Basically, this person said that we ought to have a pen in hand while listening to speakers, to audio presentations, to podcasts, to other "lecture situations", so we can record any and all insights that will help us become better leaders and mentors, better able to succeed in our individual missions. Active, involved listening.

I've religiously written my thoughts in books I've been reading for some time, so I know that recording insights and impressions is extremely valuable. But audio presentations, not so much. While I've taken notes during the semi-annual General Conferences our church holds, and during the occasional motivational presentation, etc., it just hasn't occurred to me (until now) that I should treat ALL the opportunities to gain wisdom from others (at church) with enthusiasm, like they might be life changing events. I should listen like I may discover the answers to all my problems; I should come prepared and expect that the Lord just might speak to me through a shy, twelve-year-old youth speaker. Humbling... right? 

Essentially my perspective change is an Energy change; I've known a long time that the Holy Ghost can witness truths through his humble servants the prophets or even my next door neighbor.  I've just lacked enthusiasm for the simple, humble talk from my neighbor. Don't get me wrong, I love and appreciate everyone's talks, my point is that I haven't come expecting to gain something profound, ready to be inspired. I never forget my notepad when I go to a paid conference or when I have an opportunity to hear the prophet speak, but "Gee, I'm wonder what in our discussion during Sunday School is going to change my life today"... never really crossed my mind. I haven't prayerfully sought the Lord out with my current questions and problems before church on Sunday like I habitually would, for say, General Conference. 

That's a mistake!!  

Sacrament meeting is a beautiful place to receive inspiration, right after we have renewed all our baptismal covenants. Taken worthily, the sacrament is a special and sacred cleansing of our body and soul. The talks following it have all the potential in the world to be pivotal events.  With proper preparation, our Sunday School meetings and other meetings afterwards are an opportunity to learn and discuss the gospel with our peers. To often I attend these meetings ill-prepared, not having read and studied the pre-appointed scriptures and study material. I'm just cheating myself by not taking full advantage of these spiritual mentoring environments. I cheat myself and others by not fully participating in them. 

Stake Conferences and Ward Conferences are especially awesome opportunities for gaining inspiration. Our Stake President has the priesthood authority and responsibility to give us the specific council that we need to hear as a stake from the Lord. I know our Stake President doesn't take that responsibility lightly. He prepares to speak with earnest prayer in our behalf, and he labors over what he needs to say. He is mindful and diligent in his preparations. The additional speakers are selected prayerfully, and I think most of them also seek to have the spirit as they prepare for and later give their talks.  

I want to keep these things in mind as I'm preparing to attend these habitual meetings. Most Sundays my mind is in a rush just hoping to get to the early choir rehearsal on time (and unscathed by spit-up) and my thoughts are merely prayers that the wrestling match with my wiggle worms will end favorably, somewhat reverent.  I have felt beautiful, life changing feelings during Sunday meetings, even with the chaos of young children, but how many opportunities do I miss because I'm coming prepared to endure instead of prepared to learn? And when I do learn something, how often do I retain it by writing it down? Too often, I believe, I let those moments burn within my bosum for a small moment only to distractedly let them go so they float up and away, their memory only a vague impression on my heart. 

It's a pity.

I think my Heavenly Father wants me to come to church with a little more faith and enthusiasm.  He wants to teach me.  I think there is inspiration to be had listening in the foyer and bouncing a grumpy baby. There is inspiration in just trying to find inspiration in it.

So, I hope I'll find myself taking notes during the Primary program, during fast and testimony meeting, and during that shy little youth speaker's very first Sacrament meeting talk. I have faith that the spirit may speak to me through you. And I want to be ready to record those treasures when it does.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Matthew 7:7