What is the Latter-day Saint temple prayer circle? Ep. 106

Many of the Latter-day Saint temple ceremonies are not talked about because of their sacred nature. In this episode, David gives as much of a glimpse as he can into one such ceremony, performed during the Endowment, called the prayer circle.

Transcript and potentially additional notes:https://bit.ly/36A0EgV
From the Encyclopedia of Mormonism: https://bit.ly/3etsSMW
“Early Christian and Jewish Rituals Related to Temple Practices,” by John A. Tvedtnes: https://bit.ly/2I2wVUl
“Latter-day Saint Prayer Circles,” by D. Michael Quinn in BYU Studies: https://bit.ly/2I4532g
Acts of John (reference in the video comes from sections 94-96): https://bit.ly/3euaHGY
Books of 1 Jeu (Chapter 41) and 2 Jeu (Chapters 45/48): https://bit.ly/3jVvC6U
Pistis Sophia (Book 5, chapter 136): https://bit.ly/2HZnSUI
“Temple Worship and a Possible Reference to a Prayer Circle in Psalm 24,” by Donald W. Parry: https://bit.ly/36n6T6L
“The Early Christian Prayer Circle,” by Hugh Nibley: https://bit.ly/3eQcCFQ (Nibley, IMO, is a genius. That said, in his zeal for these kinds of topics he can suffer from a bit of “parallelomania.” Nonetheless, he offers some good stuff in this paper.)
To gain a greater appreciation for the symbolism of different Latter-day Saint temple practices, I highly recommend the book, “Sacred Symbols,” by Alonzo L. Gaskill.

Notes:

-The prayer circle example used in 2 Jeu comes from chapter 48. That said, starting in chapter 45, Jesus and his disciples go through a series of multiple prayer circles as they are taught/experience different ordinances. The detail that both men and women were involved in these prayer circles is found in chapter 45, but it is assumed that from that point on that both men and women were involved in the subsequent prayer circles (through chapter 48). Chapter 45 itself could also be used as a great example of a prayer circle. I specifically chose the example in chapter 48 because it specifically mentions an altar, while previous prayer circles only mention different offerings, but do not explicitly mention an altar, though it would make sense that those circles also included an altar.

-From the Encyclopedia of Mormonism: “Although deriving in all instances from temple worship, some prayer circles were formally organized apart from the Endowment ceremony. Membership in these special prayer circles, which began in 1851 and continued until 1929, did not depend upon Church position. Other prayer circles were formed for priesthood groups: stake presidencies and high councils, priesthood quorums, ward bishoprics-all of them formed under the authority of the First Presidency and generally in response to specific requests. On May 3, 1978, the First Presidency announced that all prayer circles outside the temple were to be discontinued. Apart from the Endowment ceremony, the only prayer circles still held are part of the weekly meeting of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve and the monthly meeting of all General Authorities in the Salt Lake Temple.” Source: https://bit.ly/3etsSMW

-D. Michael Quinn noted: “With its Methodist, Masonic, and early Christian antecedents, the LDS prayer circle did not arise without parallels. In fact, historical parallels are the strength of the firm LDS position that Mormonism is not a new creation but instead in its most essential features is a restoration of those sacred doctrines and practices revealed by God to man from the beginning. In Mormonism the reception of divine revelation is an active, responsive process, rather than a passive operation. If Joseph Smith had any knowledge of these earlier practices of prayer, then that partial understanding served as an incentive for him to seek divine and more complete instruction.”

-That bit in the video about the “four corners of the world” is something that came up a few times while researching different types of ancient prayer circles. It’s probably symbolic of the ancient camp of Israel, where 3 tribes camped facing each cardinal direction, with the temple or tabernacle in the center.

SUBSCRIBE:
http://saintsunscripted/subscribe

Follow Us:
Facebook:   / saintsunscripted  
Instagram:   / saintsunscripted  
Website: https://saintsunscripted.com/

Follow the Hosts:
Justin:   / motioncoaster  
Mimi:   / mimi.bascom  
David:   / davidesnell  
Taylor:   / tsyorg  
Samantha:   / sam.iris.yello