Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are urging members around the world to improve their observance of the Sabbath day. In training meetings this year, leaders are receiving instruction on the topic of strengthening faith in God by observing the Sabbath day with greater purpose.

Watch this video “Sabbath Day Observance Q&A:”

To download the video, go here and click the link below the video.

Key points from the video:

• The Sabbath day can fortify us spiritually to remain true to the gospel in a difficult world.
• Where possible, wards and branches are encouraged to hold sacrament meeting as the first meeting in the block.
• Increase the involvement of the ward council in the planning of sacrament meeting.
• Partake of the sacrament with purpose.
• Improve Sabbath day observance at home.
• God will bless us as we keep the Sabbath day holy.

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained that Church leaders have felt the importance of encouraging families and individuals to rethink and refocus their efforts on what they do on the Sabbath day. “Our whole desire is that throughout the Church, we focus our Sabbath day worship on the Lord,” he said.

Elder Clayton said Sabbath day activities may include doing acts of service, reading the scriptures, and spending time with family. “What we hope is that the Sabbath will become a delight for people at home, that they’ll love what happens in their homes on Sunday. It will be a time to draw apart from the world, to just give ourselves some rest from the things that are always before our eyes the other days of the week, with the work week, all the things we worry about. And then on the Sabbath we could think about the Savior.”

In his most recent general conference talk, Elder Russell M. Nelson said, “I believe [God] wanted us to understand that the Sabbath was His gift to us, granting real respite from the rigors of daily life and an opportunity for spiritual and physical renewal.” (Read “The Sabbath Is a Delight.”)

Training on improving Sabbath day worship and gospel learning within families was given to general authorities, area seventies, and general auxiliary presidencies during the week of general conference. That training is now being extended to stakes and wards throughout the year.

Learn more in the article”Church Leaders Call for Better Observance of Sabbath Day.”