The sacrament prayers are much like two covers of a book that is opened and closed each time they are invoked. The first prayer, over the bread, begins a new covenant; while the second prayer, over the water, appears to “end” or fulfill the covenant started the week before. To extend the analogy, if the prayers are the covers of a week-long covenant period, then the pages of the book are the deeds and acts promised in the first prayer, which includes always remembering him. When offered with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, this book, written in heaven, becomes the recommend to the constant presence of the Holy Ghost in one’s mind and heart.
Text editable versions of the modernized prayer language
(For reference only; not to be used in any ordinances)
Condensed unauthorized version in contemporary English:
“Heavenly Father, please bless and set apart this bread for everyone who will eat it so they will remember that Jesus once lived and ate as they do. And we ask that you please accept their eating as a sign to you, God, a sign to you that they want to be called true Christians, to preserve the memory of Jesus’ life at all times and in all places, to do the things he said and taught. And they offer this sign in exchange for the promise to constantly enjoy thy Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Condensed unauthorized version in contemporary English:
“Heavenly Father, please bless and set apart this wine for everyone who will drink it so they will drink to the memory of Jesus’ blood that he poured out when he died like this wine was poured out. And we ask that you please accept their drinking of the wine as a sign to you, God, a sign to you that they have truly been preserving the memory of Jesus’ suffering at all times and in all places (as they previously signed to you that they would). And they offer this second sign in exchange for the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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