I did ordinance work for an aunt who had been the "black sheep" of her family-rebellion, alcoholism, you name it. In doing her initiatory work, I felt her spirit there, joyful and full of gratitude. The veil is very thin but not only in the temple. I lost a son when he was 47. He was the "go to" guy who could fix, build or invent just about anything. and his hand was always extended to help others. There have been times when I've been stymied by a mechanical or technical problem and I've said" Son, this would be so easy for you, could you give me a little help?" And, somehow things would go together. Did I pray to him? Of course not, I just said what I would have if he were still here. Did I worship him? Absolutely not! He's just another of the Lord's angels who has always been willing to do His work.
ChrisMay 6, 2021
I sometimes ask Heavenly Father to allow my ancestors to help answer a specific need I may have, if it be His will. I have found and performed temple ordinances for hundreds of my and my husband's relatives, and know that they have been allowed to assist me and my family on occasion.
Kristen OpenshawMay 6, 2021
I'm not offended or worried about the examples of asking those on the other side of the veil for help. I don't think Timmie Lynn prayed to Matilda, she communicated with her. She posed a question and received help through the power of the Holy Ghost, surely authorized by the Lord, in my opinion!
MaryMay 6, 2021
I don't think the stories shared in the article came across as "praying" in the traditional sense or is an example of idol worshiping. I read it as having a conversation with them. If they do indeed feel their actual presence there in the temple and like in some of the example we can hear actually voices, than I see no reason why they wouldn't be able to understand our thoughts and feelings (even if they are non-vocal). To say that it is form of prayer or idol worshiping is ridiculous!
Also, If we needed help and were to ask someone who was physically with us, I don't think it different than what they are doing and no one would condemn others for it.
Maryann TaylorMay 6, 2021
I, too, have felt the beautiful spirit that comes when performing temple ordinances for my family. My blessings have come in the knowledge that I am doing the Lord's work, opportunities and inspiration to find information, and the increased love I feel for my family. This is the second article I have read where people have requested favors from those on the other side of the veil. There is a thin line between doing this sacred work and ancestor worship. Making requests of our ancestors is nothing less than praying to them. Doing so cuts our Heavenly Father out of the equation. We make our requests known to him, and him only. We also do not take it upon ourselves to make assignments to those on the other side of the veil. That, also, is the Lord's right.
Jim ScottMay 6, 2021
I’ve always felt prayers can only be to God and that appeals to others beside God is on the cusp of idolatry vid a vis the Catholic habit of prayers to Mary. Yet here are examples of spiritual communication outside the approved method.
How do we categorize such prayers and appeals.
Comments | Return to Story
DorrieMay 10, 2021
I did ordinance work for an aunt who had been the "black sheep" of her family-rebellion, alcoholism, you name it. In doing her initiatory work, I felt her spirit there, joyful and full of gratitude. The veil is very thin but not only in the temple. I lost a son when he was 47. He was the "go to" guy who could fix, build or invent just about anything. and his hand was always extended to help others. There have been times when I've been stymied by a mechanical or technical problem and I've said" Son, this would be so easy for you, could you give me a little help?" And, somehow things would go together. Did I pray to him? Of course not, I just said what I would have if he were still here. Did I worship him? Absolutely not! He's just another of the Lord's angels who has always been willing to do His work.
ChrisMay 6, 2021
I sometimes ask Heavenly Father to allow my ancestors to help answer a specific need I may have, if it be His will. I have found and performed temple ordinances for hundreds of my and my husband's relatives, and know that they have been allowed to assist me and my family on occasion.
Kristen OpenshawMay 6, 2021
I'm not offended or worried about the examples of asking those on the other side of the veil for help. I don't think Timmie Lynn prayed to Matilda, she communicated with her. She posed a question and received help through the power of the Holy Ghost, surely authorized by the Lord, in my opinion!
MaryMay 6, 2021
I don't think the stories shared in the article came across as "praying" in the traditional sense or is an example of idol worshiping. I read it as having a conversation with them. If they do indeed feel their actual presence there in the temple and like in some of the example we can hear actually voices, than I see no reason why they wouldn't be able to understand our thoughts and feelings (even if they are non-vocal). To say that it is form of prayer or idol worshiping is ridiculous! Also, If we needed help and were to ask someone who was physically with us, I don't think it different than what they are doing and no one would condemn others for it.
Maryann TaylorMay 6, 2021
I, too, have felt the beautiful spirit that comes when performing temple ordinances for my family. My blessings have come in the knowledge that I am doing the Lord's work, opportunities and inspiration to find information, and the increased love I feel for my family. This is the second article I have read where people have requested favors from those on the other side of the veil. There is a thin line between doing this sacred work and ancestor worship. Making requests of our ancestors is nothing less than praying to them. Doing so cuts our Heavenly Father out of the equation. We make our requests known to him, and him only. We also do not take it upon ourselves to make assignments to those on the other side of the veil. That, also, is the Lord's right.
Jim ScottMay 6, 2021
I’ve always felt prayers can only be to God and that appeals to others beside God is on the cusp of idolatry vid a vis the Catholic habit of prayers to Mary. Yet here are examples of spiritual communication outside the approved method. How do we categorize such prayers and appeals.
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