Ronald A. Rasband on the sacred blessing of temple worship

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (b. 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"What temples bring to families and individuals seeking to draw closer to the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven, seeking peace in a fractured world, seeking comfort in times of trouble cannot be calculated....

"Years ago, at the Logan Temple Cornerstone Ceremony in 1877, President George Q. Cannon said this:

"'Every foundation stone that is laid for a temple and every temple completed, lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness, moves the heavens in mighty power in our behalf, invokes and calls down upon us the blessings of eternal Gods and those who reside in their presence.' [Millennial Star, November 12, 1877, p. 743]

"Certainly in a day and time like we live in, the importance of every temple built and dedicated to the Lord cannot be overstated.

"Prophets, seers, and revelators have promised us blessings, as we faithfully attend the temple....

"Now I ask each of you, to what end and what purpose is all of this focus and emphasis on temples? ... Let me point you to a passage of scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 52:14:

"'And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations—'

"Temple worship is an important pattern for each of us as individuals, and as families. It is critical at every stage of your life."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Stand in Holy Places," BYU-Idaho Business and Communication Convocation Winter 2016, 8 Apr 2016
Click here to read the full talk

For those of us who are "seeking peace in a fractured world, seeking comfort in times of trouble," Elder Rasband testifies that temple worship can help us draw closer to God and find those things. In fact, that is one of their great purposes, providing us the "holy place" where we can escape from the world and its influence, as George Q. Cannon testified:

It's interesting to consider how temple worship is a "pattern" for us as individuals and families. But I can add my witness to Elder Rasband's remarks; when I attend the temple regularly, I feel the power and strength that result.