Initiates often repeat the words of the prayer or say "amen" at the end of each line. In another text, Adam is portrayed as the model for all suppliants as he prays with uplifted arms at an altar. Other literature describes the early Christian practices of helping the dead through saving ordinances and of placing names on the prayer altar as a way to devote special prayers to those people. Extensive and varied ancient sources generally state that prayer circles are solemn ordinances designed to introduce initiates to the sacred mysteries of the kingdom; that prayer circles always take place within the temple or a similar setting; that the words and gestures integral to the prayer circle make sense to participants in the context of the circle, but not to outsiders; and that participants in the circle are ordinary church members, with a high priest presiding. The prayer circle as introduced by Joseph Smith provides a perfect consistency between historical materials and theology.(The Early Christian Prayer Circle, BYU Studies 19, no. 1 (1978): 41–78.)
2 comments:
I believe that we come to the veil showing with uplifted hands, as a sign of Christ, which is also the sign or form of the dove and peace, and showing that the Holy Ghost is our constant companion, and which, The Prophet Joseph Smith said was instituted before the world, that Satan cannot come in the form of. This sign, the “Hands of Blessing” is also the example ascension into the Celestial realm with the Father (Luke 24:44-53)
Sign of Peace, Sign of the Dove
Dove, sign of).
7. Represents God [Elohim] sitting upon his throne, revealing through the heavens the grand Key-words of the Priesthood as, also, the sign of the Holy Ghost unto Abraham, in the form of a dove (See also: D&C 84:74; 1 John 5:7; John 14:18, 21, 23, 26). Where? See number 8 below.
“The Sign of the Dove”
“The sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of the world, a witness for the Holy Ghost, and the devil cannot come in the sign of a dove. … The sign of a dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed, as the dove is an emblem or token of truth and innocence” (Joseph Smith, HC 5:261). See 1 Ne. 11:27; 2 Ne. 31:8; D&C 93:15; Abr., fac. 2, fig. 7.
Joseph Smith taught that the sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of the world as a witness for the Holy Ghost; therefore, the devil cannot come in the sign of a dove (or sign of peace).
Though we usually associate the sign of the dove with John the Baptist, from the latter reference we learn that it was manifested to Abraham also. We suppose that it has been similarly made known to other prophets on occasion since the time of Adam.
“Go in peace” seems to be a ratification of Holy Spirit of Promise upon the Words of the Jesus to Mary. It is a special message given from the Lord to the Soul and endorsed by the Holy Ghost and “this peace” cannot be duplicated by the devil.
The word Peace is used as a symbol. It is the symbol of the Dove, and is a sure witness of the Holy Ghost.
1. Abraham received it the sign of peace, in the form of a dove (peace). (Abr., fac. 2, fig. 7).
2. Jesus received it when he was baptized:
a. Spirit of God descending like a dove: Matt. 3:16 . ( Mark 1:10 ; Luke 3:22 ; John 1:32 . )
b. Abide upon him in the form of a dove: 1 Ne. 11:27 .
c. Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove: 2 Ne. 31:8 . ( D&C 93:15 .)
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