Loving the temple doesn’t come naturally to everyone—and that’s OK. Being new to the ordinances, expecting specific outcomes, and managing nerves or mental health challenges can all impact your experience inside the house of the Lord.
Thankfully, there are many things you can do to find more joy in your temple worship, regardless of your circumstances. On a recent episode of the All In podcast, author Melinda Wheelwright Brown recently shared two suggestions for learning to love the endowment. She has years of experience teaching a stake temple prep class for students at Brigham Young University and recently published the bestselling book An Endowment of Love.
1. Focus on the Gifts in the Initiatory
If the length of the endowment presentation feels overwhelming, Melinda suggests focusing on just the initiatory ordinances for a few months.
“It’s much shorter, like liturgically,” she explains. “If we’re looking at specifics, [the initiatory is] maybe seven minutes as compared to 90. And that alone makes it more digestible.”
This aspect also makes it easier to fit in more temple appointments, which can aid in learning the words of the ordinances. “The repetitive nature of it can really sink in and slowly and gently soften your heart and the experience,” Melinda says.
She also has found that some of her students embrace the language of the initiatory more naturally. “It’s such a beautiful period of washing and anointing and clothing. Those are the three elements of it, as outlined on the Church website and in the Church handbook. And [they’re] gifts just being poured out on you.”
The more individual setting of the initiatory also feels more approachable for many people. “It’s a little bit more interactive … [and] embodied, which I think is really ideal,” Melinda says. “Every time we can combine the power of body and spirit to facilitate a soulful experience is really impactful to us, and the initiatory is profound in that regard.”
2. Reach out to Trusted Mentors
Another tip that Melinda recommends is talking with people you trust. Reach out to people you respect and admire who have strong testimonies of the temple and share your questions and concerns with them.
It’s important to remember there are many things we can talk about—both outside and inside the temple. “You could have a conversation in a garden [on the temple grounds,] or … or you can actually go to the temple with someone and sit in the celestial room in a corner,” Melinda says. “Ask a few questions and just take bite-size bits. You don’t need to tackle it all at once. It’s meant to be a lifetime of learning.”
Ultimately, Melinda advises being patient with yourself and seeking out people who will support you in your journey:
“You’re not expected to understand it all right now, but maybe find one element that resonates with you and put your focus there for a little while. And then, when you’re ready, move on to another and seek a little assistance from people who love you and care about you.”
Learn more from Melinda on the full All In episode, available on all major streaming platforms.
More articles for you:
▶ What happened when I wore jeans and sneakers to the temple
▶ 3 divine ways you learn during the presentation of the temple endowment
▶ How temple worship brought miracles to a teen struggling with friendships
