LDS BOOK REVIEW: Sacramental Reflections by Truman G. Madsen

SACRAMENTAL REFLECTIONS

Feasting at the Lord's Table

by Truman G. Madsen

Deseret Book, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-62972-022-7

LDS Nonfiction

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

These devotional reflections from the heart of Truman Madsen can help bring you face to face with yourself as you prepare to meet Christ at the sacrament table each week. Each page explores a separate idea pertaining to the sacrament and gives insights into the events surrounding the Last Supper, the Atonement, and the Crucifixion.

There is a feast awaiting the honest guest who accepts the Lord's invitation to bring to the altar a "broken heart and a contrite spirit." Alma promises it will "begin to be delicious" (Alma 32:28) and that "ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled" (Alma 32:42). Brother Madsen helps us to access these blessings.

Find new meaning in the sacrament and new resolve as you reflect upon and participate in this sacred ordinance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TRUMAN G. MADSEN received graduate degrees in philosophy and the philosophy of religion from the University of Utah and Harvard. He served as the director of the Judeo-Christian Studies Center at BYU and as director of the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. He is widely recognized as an expert on the life and teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Brother Madsen, who passed away in the summer of 2009, was a prolific author who is also known for his memorable audio and video presentations on a variety of gospel subjects.

REVIEW

Partaking of the sacrament is a very important part of worship in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  It's a time of reflection and re-commitment to the Savior and his gospel.  The short sections of this book are wonderful for helping to guide one's pondering.  Divided up into sections such as The Atonement, The Prayers, Sabbath, Fasting, Emblems, Effects and Influences the book looks at many of the different aspects of the Savior's life and the importance of the ordinance of the sacrament.  I found this to be a wonderfully inspiring book full of great doctrines and events to think about.  The stories and experiences shared by the author do a really nice job of highlighting ways to make the sacrament a more meaningful experience, allowing the reader to connect on a deeper level to Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.