Praying Towards the Temple
Posted by Connor on May 14th, 2007
In the Old Testament we read that Daniel prayed thrice daily towards the temple:
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. (Daniel 6:10)
In our dispensation, Joseph Smith has taught us:
You must make yourselves acquainted with those men who like Daniel pray three times a day toward the House of the Lord. (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 161)
What does this mean? Are we to also pray towards the temple? Surely many will argue that this isn’t the case, as no successive or current church leader has spoken of this (that I’m aware of). What, then, are we to make of this quote?
I think this has to do with prayer itself and the importance thereof and also perhaps with the content, keeping our prayers directed towards the temple, understanding, revelation. And not to direction of our physical bodies.
Comment # 1 left by Sketchy on May 15th, 2007
This might make more sense at a time when there was only one temple. Now, no matter which direction you face it is probably toward some temple.
Comment # 2 left by Eric Nielson on May 15th, 2007
Sounds like idolatry to me.
Comment # 3 left by Dave on May 15th, 2007
Honestly, Connor, I have no idea what it means. What’s the context? To whom is JS speaking, and what did he say before and after he said that? Even by itself, the words to say pray toward the temple; they say get to know people who do. Because we don’t know the context, we don’t know if he’s talking about becoming acquainted with scriptural figures, or with people who pray toward Mecca, or he wants us to do it ourselves, or if he’s talking metaphorically, or what.
Comment # 4 left by Sam B on May 15th, 2007
What’s the context?
Here’s the full quote from page 161:
The full address made by Joseph can be read here.
Comment # 5 left by Connor on May 15th, 2007
See Mosiah 2:6.
I think Sketchy’s got the idea, that this isn’t about physical orientation, but rather about turning our hearts toward the Lord and attending to our (temple) covenants.
Comment # 6 left by mistaben on May 15th, 2007
This is from the Dedicatory prayer of the Salt Lake Temple.
I believe it is a metaphor. When we can’t be at the temple we should have sipritual things in mind and keep what the temple represents in our hearts and prayers.
Comment # 7 left by Steph on May 15th, 2007
Sounds to me like another three-pattern. But I think it has to do with devotion and commitment.
Comment # 8 left by Glenn on May 15th, 2007
there are some fundamentalist mormon sects that facing the salt lake temple.
Comment # 9 left by the narrator on May 15th, 2007
Fascinating post, Connor.
I don’t know. In King Benjamin’s farewell speech, in what some Mormon scholars say took placed during the Feast of Tabernacles, the Nephites pitched their tent with the doors facing the Temple. Many GAs have interpreted this to mean that perhaps the Saints should orient their lives to the Temple as well. I don’t really think there is any literal interpretation or adaptation to this practice of praying towards the temple.
Many LDS Prophets and Apostles have said that we should pray to know the will of the Lord and in essence, pray towards God. Like you said, since it’s not something that the current leadership of the Church have advocated (maybe leaders do not want a perception that we are similiar to Islam?) then we need not worry about it.
Also, we may walk the extra mile and we will certainly be blessed for it, but taking on more than we need to is really harmful and almost fanatic.
The standard period of a fast is 24 hours or 2 meals. It’s almost sinful and certainly harmful to fast 3 days and 3 nights.
Did anything I say make sense?
Comment # 10 left by Josh on May 16th, 2007