(Feature photo can be found here: Gilbert Temple Entrance by Brooks Crandell)

If there is one “higher” goal of every member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is to enter into the temple and take part in the sacred covenants therein. This is a very important step in each member’s life, and it can be a bit overwhelming if you are not prepared.

Before entering the temple for the first time, we need to prepare ourselves spiritually so that we’re ready to receive a great enlightenment and understanding. We must learn to temporarily set aside our worldly problems as we prepare to focus on eternal matters and do the work of our Heavenly Father.

So here are the first five of ten ways we can better prepare ourselves to be ready to enter into the temple:

1 – Pray

There are few better things that we can do to help prepare us for the temple experience. Pray for help to prepare, especially the week or so before you go and on the day of your first visit. Pray for specific things that you wish to understand, learn, and feel as you are inside the House of the Lord.

Prayer isn’t just to be used outside the temple. In fact, there is probably no better place in the entire world to pray. Pray while you are in the temple. Pray for the people whose names are on the temple prayer roll, especially for those you place on it. Make your prayers specific and continue to pray after your visit.

2 – Fast

Fasting is always a wonderful way to help us be more in tune with the Holy Ghost, and it’s even more important to be in tune when you first visit the temple. The peace of the Spirit, answers to prayers, and personal revelation will come more easily when we are fasting, especially when we fast with a purpose.

For your fast, choose one or two specific needs, either for yourself or others. Open and close it with a prayer. During your fast, and your visit to the temple, try to focus on the things you are fasting for.

3 – Study the Scriptures

While they don’t teach us the specifics of what we learn in the temple, studying the scriptures and church materials is a very effective way to prepare ourselves. Try studying specific topics, like families, the creation, charity, or how to feel the spirit. And of course, study the scriptures daily. This is always important, but it’s even more crucial before you attend the temple. Set some scripture study goals and stick to them!

4 –Listen To or Sing Hymns

There’s a reason we sing so much during church and church activities – music is invaluable to opening our hearts and minds to feel the Spirit.

During the week, and especially on your temple day, sing or listen to hymns, appropriate instrumental music, or other uplifting and inspiring music. Listen while you get ready, drive in the car, while you’re at work or home, and then continue listening after you’ve left the temple, in order to help the Spirit continue to be with you.

Remember – listening to inappropriate music always drives the Spirit away, so choose good music the entire day!

5 – Read Your Patriarchal Blessing

Our patriarchal blessings are exactly that – a great blessing! And as such, we should read and use them often. They help us remember the blessings and counsel we have been given.

During the time before and especially the day of your first visit, ponder the things in your blessing that you need to work on or that you would like to understand better. While you’re in the temple, pray about it.

And if you haven’t yet received your patriarchal blessing, make it a goal to prepare yourself to receive it as soon as you can.

There you have it – the first five things that will help you to spiritually prepare to enter the temple for the first time. Be sure to check back next week when we follow up with five more things that can help you prepare for the temple!