“Become a people of the Temple—those who see violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict yet extend the hand of reconciliation, who encounter broken spirits and find pathways for healing.” Doctrines of the Saints 2c:14
Once we’re saved, there are different tasks the Lord calls us to do; all are disciples, some are ministers. Ministers may have various offices and ministries. All ministers should have a dedicated temple area and an altar in their home. What does it mean to have a temple in our homes? This refers to creating a safe space where one my do or prepare to do the Lord’s works.
This idea of creating a safe space is neither new, nor unique to the Latter Day Saint movement. Our safe space has been called by many names; temple, chapel, mosque, or sanctuary are but a few. The main thing is that we have a safe place for the Holy Spirit and Christ to call home within our home.
A home or personal temple is a House of the Lord where one may pray and meditate. While it is possible to meditate anywhere, we are learning to channel our energy, engaging with the Holy Spirit. This kind of work leads to positive energy building up and overcoming the negative energies of everyday life. Having our own safe place will ensure the energy we are working with builds up within our temples. The more we use them, the more God’s energy increases, and we continue to invite the Holy Spirit into our homes and our hearts.
In addition, our temples will start to build up positive, Godly energy. We will collect this positive energy within our temple spaces. This will be very useful later on when we begin to dedicate and charge our tools. One will be able to not only push energy out from themselves with energy from the temple, and eventually one’s tools as well.
Temple of the Most High God
There are a few things we need to understand about creating a temple to the Most High God.
It must be a place that makes one feels safe/at home
I once walked into a room that felt like coming home for Christmas. The positive energy was so strong there. This was not my house, but one used by many people for spiritual retreat and their positive energy had built to the point of exploding! Anyone with the proper training would have felt the same as I entering this place. Our temples should eventually feel the same.
Keep it simple
One may decorate, but don’t overdo it. The temple space should be clean, not cluttered, good, not gaudy. One should use images, tokens, and/or symbols that have deep meaning for them. Temple symbols may of course be used, along with other Christian symbolism, as the Spirit moves us. Keep the colors positive but not chaotic. Keep it simple, keep it safe.
Don’t use this space for anything else
If one lives in a home with many rooms, it is easy to dedicate one room to the Lord. But, not everyone has this luxury. Some may live in a one room apartment. This doesn’t mean one should use their closet, though they may if they like (see Alma 16:181a, 221 RAV, 33:7 & 34: 26 OPV; Matthew 6:6, 3 Nephi 5:98 RAV, 13:6 OPV). Just carve out a place to use as a temple and don’t put other things there. It’s not a place for dirty laundry, or workout equipment; it’s a place for us and the Lord. It’s a temple, the House of the Lord, so treat it like one.
Don’t brag about it
It’s not a secret, so don’t act like it is. But it is very personal. Don’t tell the world about it in a way that would allow others to mock or defile it. But these aren’t occult secrets, there’s no reason to walk on eggshells, so to speak. Simply find a balance between the two.
Beginning at the Temple
“Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places and prepare for the revelation which is to come…” – Doctrines of the Saints 64a:30
A room or an area of a room should first be dedicated as a temple to the Lord. This is the House of the Lord within one’s home, and should be treated as holy, for the Lord is Holy. To dedicate the area, face east and say a prayer dedicating the space to the Lord. Be sure to state the office of the Priesthood or Sisterhood you hold, like so:
Heavenly Father (or Elohim), By the power of the (office) I hold, I dedicate this space to thee…
From there, speak in prayer as the Spirit directs. End the blessing in the name of Jesus Christ.
That’s really all there is to setting up one’s temple. Set one up and start using it to meditate. Fill it full of positive energy and soak in the Holy Spirit’s light. Build it up, like a power plant full of positive thoughts and feelings. Then, as we go out into the world, the Lord’s light will shine and transform with the light of creation.
Rise, Ye Saints, and Temples Enter
Rise, ye Saints, and temples enter; Seek the path that leads ahead.
Seal in everlasting circles, All our loved ones, quick and dead.Learn the plan of exaltation; With His sacred laws comply.
Live to earn in binding cov’nant, Blessings of our God most high.Elohim, thou great designer, Wilt thou heaven’s pow’rs bestow,
As thy faithful sons and daughters, Serve in temples here below.Jean L. Kaberry, 1918–1997. LdS Hymnal 1985 IRI
