President Harold B. Lee on worshipful Sabbath Day activities

President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1941. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1970-1972, then as Church president from July 1972 until his passing less than 18 months later in December 1973.

"May we not hope that in addition to our worshipful activities on the Lord's Day we might also on that day reduce the drudgery of the home to a minimum, and that outside the home only essential chores will be performed. Make this a day of prayerful, thoughtful study of the scriptures and other good books. While filled with the joy of the Sabbath, write a letter to your sweetheart or an absent loved one or a friend who may need your spiritual strength. Make your homes the places for the singing and playing of beautiful music in harmony with the spirit of the day. At evening's close as you gather at your fireside with the family alone or with friends, discuss the precious truths of the gospel and close with the benediction of family prayer. My experience has taught me that the prompting of the conscience to a faithful Church member is the safest indicator as to that which is contrary to the spirit of worship on the Sabbath Day....

"And so I beg of you not to rob your spiritual bodies of that essential strength by breaking the Sabbath Day, but sincerely urge you to live each day so that you might receive from the fountain of light, nourishment and strength sufficient to every day's need."

- Harold B. Lee, "Take Time to be Holy," Radio address delivered April 15, 1945; see Decisions for Successful Living [Deseret 1973] pp. 146-50

I think President Lee's suggestions are helpful. The word "drudgery" is an interesting choice; I guess it refers to menial work, chores, routine tasks, etc. To reduce those things allows us to focus on activities and tasks that are not routine or menial, but are worshipful, prayerful, and spiritual.

President Lee shares the vision of a day filled with worshipful activities: uplifting music, study and reading, appropriate service to others, sharing gospel insights with family members or friends.

I think this is a great summary, "My experience has taught me that the prompting of the conscience to a faithful Church member is the safest indicator as to that which is contrary to the spirit of worship on the Sabbath Day." If we listen to the promptings that will come, we will be guided to the best kinds of activities.

I've always been intrigued by the phrase "breaking the Sabbath Day." That use of the word "break" conveys to me the idea of shattering or destroying something that is precious, useful, or beautiful. That's what we want the Sabbath Day to be to us!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)